PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague Steps Down After One Year
Derek Sprague is stepping down as CEO of the PGA of America after just one year, citing the need to return to upstate New York to help care for his mother and mother-in-law.
Sprague, who took over in January 2025, was the first club professional in 20 years to lead the organization and the first former PGA president appointed to the role. He’ll stay on in an advisory capacity while the PGA searches for his successor, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks.
“At my daughter’s wedding last month in upstate New York, it became clear that my family needs me nearby to assist with the care of my mother and mother-in-law,” Sprague said in a statement. “Focusing on family has become my priority, and the best decision for me is to step away from my role as CEO and return home to be with them.”
Sprague had informed the PGA board in early December about his need to return to Malone, New York.
The PGA of America represents some 30,000 golf professionals nationwide and manages several major events, including the Ryder Cup in America and the PGA Championship for men, women and seniors.
During his brief tenure, Sprague made headlines for personally reaching out to Rory McIlroy after the Northern Irishman faced verbal abuse from fans at Bethpage Black during the Ryder Cup. McIlroy, whose wife Erica previously worked at the PGA of America, said Sprague “couldn’t have been more gracious” in what he described as a “lovely letter.”
Sprague also took a firm stance against the USGA and R&A’s plan to roll back golf ball distance for elite competition in 2028 and recreational players in 2030.
Before becoming CEO, Sprague had deep roots in the golf industry. He grew up in Malone and ran every aspect of Malone Golf Club as general manager and director of golf. After serving as PGA president from 2014-16, he worked at Liberty National in New Jersey during the 2017 Presidents Cup before becoming general manager at TPC Sawgrass. His contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the PGA of America Hall of Fame in 2019.
Sprague’s departure continues a period of leadership changes across golf’s governing bodies. Brian Rolapp took over as CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises in August, Craig Kessler became LPGA commissioner in July, and Mark Darbon is just over a year into his role as CEO of the R&A.
The PGA board had previously passed over former COO Craig Kessler as Seth Waugh’s successor, despite Waugh having groomed him for the position. Kessler has since moved on to become the LPGA commissioner.
