Derek Sprague, former president, appointed as PGA of America's new CEO
Derek Sprague, a former president of the PGA of America, was appointed as the organization's new chief executive officer on Friday.
He takes over the role from interim CEO Kerry Haigh, who had been in the position since Seth Waugh's resignation in June. Waugh had held the position since August 2018.
Sprague currently serves as the general manager of TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., which is home to The Players Championship, one of the most prestigious events in professional golf. Prior to this, he was the managing director of Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, N.J., when the course hosted the Presidents Cup in 2017.
According to PGA of America president Don Rea Jr., "Derek is the epitome of a PGA of America Golf Professional." In a statement on the organization's website, Rea continued, "His commitment to the Association, his enthusiasm for empowering PGA of America Golf Professionals, and his service as an Officer make him the ideal candidate for the role of CEO."
Rea also expressed gratitude to Kerry Haigh for his exceptional leadership during the transition period.
In his own statement, Sprague said, "Throughout my career, I have prioritized bringing people together for a common cause. In this time of significant change in the golf industry, there is also immense opportunity for our Association and our Members."
He added, "I have cherished my role as a PGA of America Golf Professional and my service as a Board Member and Officer. To now have the opportunity to serve as CEO is a tremendous honor. Working alongside the Officers and Board, my goal is to elevate the profession of our 30,000+ PGA of America Golf Professionals while ensuring the success of the Association and its relationships within the industry."
Sprague's appointment comes during a period of major leadership changes in several major golf organizations.
This week, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan announced plans to hire a CEO for PGA Tour Enterprises, the circuit's for-profit division established last year.
Meanwhile, LIV CEO Greg Norman is reportedly stepping down, with Scott O'Neill set to take his place.
Earlier this month, LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan announced her resignation, and in July, Mark Darbon was named as the successor to Martin Slumbers as chief executive of the R&A, which oversees golf outside of the United States and Mexico.
