PGA America CEO Steps Down to Focus on Family

Derek Sprague, the CEO of PGA America, is resigning from his role after a little over a year, citing a need to be closer to his family. He expressed that attending his daughter’s wedding in upstate New York highlighted for him how important it is to be available to support his mother and mother-in-law.

“At my daughter’s wedding last month, it became evident that my family needs me nearby to help care for my mother and mother-in-law,” Sprague explained. “Putting my family first has become my main priority, and stepping down to return home feels like the right choice for me.”

Although he will officially leave his position, Sprague plans to stay on in an advisory role until a successor is found. He informed the PGA Board of Governors about his decision in early December, sharing that he would be returning to Malone, New York.

Sprague, who previously served as the PGA chairman from 2014 to 2016, was appointed CEO to take over from Seth Waugh, who had come out of retirement in 2018 to fill the role.

This shift in leadership comes amidst a wider trend of transitions within golf management. For instance, Brian Rolup was named CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises in August, and the LPGA has recently experienced changes as well with Craig Kessler’s departure as chief operating officer after his appointment to LPGA commissioner.

Sprague’s tenure has also seen him making personal gestures like reaching out to Rory McIlroy, to apologize for incidents of verbal abuse directed at McIlroy and his wife during the Ryder Cup. According to Sprague, McIlroy responded with a “lovely letter,” which he found extremely gracious.

In recognition of his contributions, Sprague was inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame in 2019.