Derek Sprague Steps Down as CEO of the PGA of America
Derek Sprague will step down as CEO of the PGA of America after one year in the position. The executive has decided to return to upstate New York to provide support to his mother and mother-in-law, who require more attention. Sprague assumed the position in January 2025, becoming the first club professional in 20 years to be CEO and the first former PGA president to be appointed to this role. The PGA of America has approximately 30,000 professionals and is responsible for organizing the Ryder Cup in the United States and the PGA Championship for men, women, and seniors. Sprague has stated that he will remain in an advisory role to ensure a smooth transition when the PGA of America finds his successor. He informed the PGA of America’s board of directors in early December about his need to return to Malone, New York. The PGA of America expects to announce its new CEO in the coming weeks.Sprague, who served as PGA president from 2014 to 2016, was selected as CEO to replace Seth Waugh, the former CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas, who had come out of retirement in 2018. Waugh had been grooming Craig Kessler, the PGA’s chief operating officer, as a possible replacement until the PGA’s board of directors opted for one of its members. Kessler was named LPGA commissioner last summer. Sprague was the PGA of America executive who approached Rory McIlroy to apologize for the verbal abuse the Northern Irishman suffered at Bethpage Black during the Ryder Cup. McIlroy’s wife, Erica, previously worked at the PGA of America, and McIlroy said Sprague “couldn’t have been kinder” in what he described as a “charming letter”. He was also a staunch opponent during his year as CEO of the USGA and R&A’s plan to reduce the distance of golf balls for elite competition in 2028 and for everyone else in 2030. Sprague grew up in Malone and managed all aspects of the Malone Golf Club, serving as general manager and director of golf. After his time as PGA president, he worked at Liberty National in New Jersey when it hosted the 2017 Presidents Cup and was then named general manager of TPC Sawgrass before being selected as CEO of the PGA of America. He was inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame in 2019. Sprague’s departure amplifies the change in golf’s executive leadership. Brian Rolapp took over in August as CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises; Kessler joined the LPGA in July; and Mark Darbon has been in his role as CEO of the R&A for just over a year.At my daughter’s wedding last month in upstate New York, it became clear that my family needs me nearby to help with the care of my mother and mother-in-law. Focusing on family has become my priority, and the best decision for me is to step down as CEO and return home to be with them.
Derek Sprague
