The PGA of America announced that it has chosen Derek Sprague to be the next CEO of the association. Sprague is the first person to serve as both a past president and CEO. He served as president from 2014-2016 and he will succeed Seth Waugh, who stepped down from the role in June 2024.

Sprague has been a PGA member since 1993 and has been the general manager of TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, since January 2018. He spent 26 years as the GM and director of golf at Malone Golf Club in New York, his hometown course, before becoming the managing director for Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey from 2016-2017.

“Derek is the consummate PGA of America Golf Professional,” said PGA of America President Don Rea Jr., PGA Master Professional and owner/operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club (Arizona). “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.”

During his tenure as PGA of America president, the Association was instrumental in growing the game through player development and youth programs, such as PGA Jr. League and Drive, Chip & Putt. Sprague also co-chaired the Ryder Cup Task Force and served as PGA Vice President and PGA Secretary.

Since 1998, Sprague has held leadership roles at both the national and section levels. He began his service on the Northeastern New York PGA Board of Directors in 1998 and served as section president from 2003-04. He was also a member of the PGA Board of Directors from 2007-2010, as well as a number of committees.

“Throughout my career I have made it a priority to bring people together around a common cause,” Sprague said in a statement. “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.”