USGA exec: Trimmed rough had 'absolutely zero' to do with criticism

One day after the USGA trimmed the rough on four holes at Erin Hills Golf Club, Executive Director Mike Davis commented on the decision Wednesday.

Related: Na rants about Erin Hills rough for U.S. Open

"It’s not as if we don’t listen to feedback from players," said Davis, "but I will tell you in this case, it had nothing to do – absolutely zero – with what the players were saying. We looked at some spots and we said this is simply not going to play properly."

Davis and the USGA decided on Monday that holes Nos. 4, 12, 14, and 18 would be trimmed back, after rain made those areas unplayable Monday night, a move that isn't uncommon at an Open.

"Every single year at a U.S. Open we are altering the rough right up to the end," added Davis. "That’s a standard operating procedure for every single Open I’ve ever been involved with."

Both Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth disagreed with the USGA's decision to cut back the fescue, saying the fairways are more than generous to hit this week.

"So if you've got 50 or 60 yards to hit into and you're complaining about the fescue that's wider than that," McIlroy said in Tuesday's press conference. "I don't think that's an issue."