PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague is stepping down from his position after one year on the job, the PGA of America announced on Wednesday.
According to the release, Sprague will return to New York to support his family and help care for his mother and mother in-law.
“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 the release. “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.
“Serving as CEO of the PGA of America over the past year has been an incredible honor, and I will always be grateful for the trust placed in me by the Board and thank them for their understanding,” he continued. “I also want to thank our staff for their tireless dedication. Their passion and commitment inspire me, and I know the Association will continue to thrive as it carries forward the proud mission of serving our members and growing the game.”
Sprague told the PGA of America Board of Directors of his decision in early December.
Sprague was named CEO in December 2024 after spending more than a decade in various leadership roles, including PGA of America president from 2014 to 2016 and general manager of TPC Sawgrass, home of the Players Championship, from 2017 to 2024. He was also GM at Liberty National, and before that he spent more than 25 years as GM and director of golf at Malone Golf Club in his hometown of Malone, N.Y.
Perhaps the biggest undertaking — and money-maker — for anyone in the position of PGA CEO is the Ryder Cup, and the 2025 edition at Bethpage Black made headlines not only for Europe’s road victory but for a few less savory reasons, including increased ticket prices and the home crowd’s treatment of European players, specifically Rory McIlroy.
Sprague told The Athletic he sent a long email to McIlroy and his wife, Erica, and told them “we will do better in the future.”
“I’m the CEO now — I don’t condone this type of behavior,” Sprague told The Athletic. “This is not good for the game of golf. It’s not good for the Ryder Cup. It’s not good for any of the professional athletes, and we will do better.”
The PGA of America said it expects to name a new CEO in the coming weeks.
