The PGA of America golfing governing body is now looking for a new chief executive, with incumbent Seth Waugh set to stand down from that position at the end of the month.
The golfing organization unveiled yesterday that Waugh, whose contract as chief executive will expire on June 30, has opted not to renew. He has been in charge at the PGA of America since September 2018, before which he held the CEO position at Deutsche Bank Americas.
His initial contract was for four years, followed in 2022 by a two-year extension.
Waugh will, however, stay on in a senior advisory role, for tournaments including the Open Championship and next year’s Ryder Cup between the US and Europe in New York.
A search for a new chair has begun, with the PGA of America saying this includes “candidates from inside and outside the association.”
Waugh said: “It feels like the right time, not only personally but professionally. We’ve accomplished an awful lot in the six years. The game has never been in better shape. Participation is at an all-time high. It's growing in all the ways we hoped it would.”
John Lindert, president of the PGA of America, added: “We are grateful for Seth’s leadership and for all that he accomplished for our members, our game, the business and our people. He skillfully led us through incredibly challenging times and was always a great partner. We are fortunate to be able to call on him going forward for his always helpful advice and counsel.”
During his time at Deutsche Bank, Waugh worked with the PGA Tour to create the Deutsche Bank Championship (now the Dell Technologies Championship) in Boston.
He succeeded Pete Bevacqua, who left to become president of the NBC Sports Group, as chief executive of the PGA of America.
In April, the PGA of America announced the multi-year extension and expansion of its partnership with US brewing heavyweight Anheuser-Busch InBev.
The brewing giant's Michelob Ultra light beer brand carries on as the official beer sponsor of the annual PGA Championship, one of the sport's four top-line major tournaments, through 2026.
