The PGA of America has found its new leader – and it’s a familiar face.
Derek Sprague, who previously served as PGA president from 2014 to 2016, is stepping in as CEO to replace Seth Waugh. The organization made the announcement Friday afternoon.
Sprague knows the golf world inside and out. He’s spent the last seven years running TPC Sawgrass, one of golf’s most iconic venues and home to The Players Championship. Before that, he was calling the shots at Liberty National in New Jersey.
But his roots in golf management run even deeper. For nearly three decades, he was the backbone of Malone Golf Club in upstate New York, where he worked his way up to become general manager and director of golf.
During his time as PGA president, Sprague left his mark on the game’s future. He helped grow programs like PGA Junior League and Drive, Chip and Putt – initiatives that are getting more kids into golf than ever before. He also played a key role in reshaping America’s Ryder Cup strategy as co-chair of the U.S. Ryder Cup Task Force.
The position opened up in June when Waugh announced he was stepping down after nearly five years at the helm. Kerry Haigh, who oversees the PGA’s championships, had been filling in temporarily.
The golf world is still waiting on several other big leadership decisions. The PGA Tour is looking for its next CEO, while both LIV Golf and the LPGA are searching for new commissioners to guide them into the future.
