The PGA of America has announced the appointment of former president Derek Sprague as its new chief executive (CEO).

Sprague is the first former president of the PGA of America to take up the role as CEO at the body, having served as president between 2014 and 2016, and was honorary president between 2016 and 2018.

He is currently the general manager of the TPC Sawgrass course, home of the Players Championship on the PGA Tour, widely referred to as the sport’s “fifth major”.

Sprague has also previously been the PGA vice president and served a two-year term as PGA secretary.

The governing body for golf in the US has been without a CEO since June 2024, when incumbent Seth Waugh announced that he was stepping down to retire at the end of his contract (June 30), saying that it felt “like the right time, not only personally but professionally.”

Following Waugh’s departure (he remains at the PGA of America in an advisory capacity), PGA chief championships officer Kerry Haigh was the interim CEO while a permanent replacement was found.

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Waugh had been in the role for six years and oversaw a period of growth for the body in terms of commercial partners and player participation, including the multi-year extension and expansion of its partnership with US brewing heavyweight Anheuser-Busch InBev.

Speaking on Sprague’s appointment, current PGA of America president Don Rea. Jr stated: “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.”

Sprague enters the PGA of America at a time of major transition for golf leadership internationally.

The PGA Tour recently announced its search for its first CEO, while LIV Golf is also seeking a new chief, and the Ladies PGA Tour is seeking a new commissioner.

Don Rea Jr. himself only stepped into the role of PGA of America president in November after being elected to replace John Lindert.