Derek Sprague, a former president of the PGA of America, was hired as the organization’s chief executive officer on Friday.
He takes over the position from interim CEO Kerry Haigh, who was on the job since Seth Waugh resigned in June. Waugh had held the role since August 2018.
Sprague is the general manager of TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., home of The Players Championship, one of the most prestigious events in professional golf. He previously was managing director of Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, N.J., when that course hosted the Presidents Cup in 2017.
“Derek is the consummate PGA of America Golf Professional,” PGA of America president Don Rea Jr. said in a statement on the organization’s website. “His dedication to the Association, his passion for empowering PGA of America Golf Professionals and his service as an Officer position him for success as CEO.
“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. We are also grateful to Kerry Haigh for his excellent leadership during our period of transition.”
Sprague added in a statement, “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.
“I have cherished being a PGA of America Golf Professional, and serving our Members and Associates as a Board Member and Officer. To now serve the Association as CEO is a tremendous honor. It is my task, alongside the Officers and Board, to elevate the profession of our more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals while ensuring the health of the Association and its relationships within our industry.”
The appointment comes at a time of rapid change at the top of a number of major golf organizations.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan announced this week the intention of hiring a CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises, the circuit’s for-profit wing established last year.
LIV CEO Greg Norman is exiting, reportedly to be replaced by Scott O’Neill.
LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan announced earlier this month that she is stepping down, and in July Mark Darbon was named as Martin Slumbers’ successor as chief executive of the R&A, which oversees golf outside of the United States and Mexico.
–Field Level Media
