In a historic move, the PGA of America has selected Derek Sprague, a longtime club professional, as its next CEO. Sprague, who spent 25 years at his hometown Malone Golf Club in New York, becomes the first CEO to have previously served as PGA president. He will succeed Seth Waugh, the former Deutsche Bank Americas CEO who has led the PGA since 2018 and recently announced his retirement.
A Leader Who Understands Every Detail
PGA of America President Don Rea Jr. highlighted the significance of Sprague’s appointment:
To have a leader at the helm who knows every detail of the association and what it means to be a PGA of America Member will enable our association to succeed far into the future.
– Don Rea Jr., PGA of America President
Sprague has been a PGA of America member since 1993. Before his latest role as general manager of TPC Sawgrass, he worked at Liberty National in New Jersey, which hosted the Presidents Cup during his tenure. As PGA president from 2014-2016, Sprague presided over the 2016 PGA Championship won by Jimmy Walker at a rain-soaked Baltusrol.
Rising Through the Ranks
Sprague’s roots are firmly in upstate New York, where he served as the general manager and director of golf at Malone Golf Club. In this role, he gained invaluable experience running every aspect of club operations. His deep understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by PGA professionals uniquely positions him to lead the association.
Golf’s Changing Landscape
Sprague takes the reins at a time of significant turnover in golf leadership:
- Martin Slumbers recently retired as CEO of the R&A
- Mollie Marcoux Samaan stepped down as LPGA commissioner
- Guy Kinnings completed his first year as European Tour CEO
- The PGA Tour is searching for a new CEO of its commercial enterprises
Amidst this changing landscape, Sprague emphasized his commitment to bringing people together:
Throughout my career I have made it a priority to bring people together around a common cause. At a time of profound change in golf, there is also great opportunity for our association and our members.
– Derek Sprague, Incoming PGA of America CEO
Priorities for the New CEO
As CEO, Sprague’s priority will be to elevate the profession of the PGA of America’s 30,000+ golf professionals while ensuring the health of the association and its industry relationships. This comes on the heels of the PGA’s decision to compensate its Ryder Cup players for the first time, with $300,000 for charity and a $200,000 stipend.
With his unique blend of experience as a club professional, PGA officer, and golf executive, Derek Sprague is poised to guide the PGA of America through a transformative period. His leadership promises to uplift PGA members while navigating the evolving golf world to position the association for long-term success and relevance.
