On a new, bold golf course, the most important figure might be USGA's Mike Davis

Matt Kuchar hits from rough on the 18th hole during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf tournament at Chambers Bay on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 in University Place, Wash. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (The Associated Press)

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, hits from rough on the 18th hole during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf tournament at Chambers Bay on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 in University Place, Wash. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (The Associated Press)

The name has become as common at this U.S. Open as Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods.

And Mike Davis isn't even playing.

Davis is the head of the USGA and the man largely responsible for this major championship coming to Chambers Bay. More than that, however, he might be responsible for just how hard it will play.

Davis will have options to play the tees back or forward. He will decide whether No. 18 is a par 4 or a par 5. And it's his job to make sure Chambers Bay doesn't get so out of control that it turns the toughest test into an impossible test.

He says his biggest concern is the ground getting too firm and fast.

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/on-a-new-bold-golf-course-the-most-important-figure-might-be-usgas-mike-davis