The PGA of America (PGA, Association) has appointed Derek Sprague, a PGA of America golf professional and past president of the Association, as chief executive officer.
Sprague is the first person to serve the PGA as a past president and CEO. He served as the 39th president from 2014-2016. Sprague succeeds Seth Waugh, who served as CEO from August 2018 to June 2024.
A PGA member since 1993, Sprague has served as the general manager of TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL since January 2018. He previously was the managing director of Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, NJ (2016-17). For 26 years, Sprague was the general manager and director of golf at Malone Golf Club (New York), his hometown course, where he was involved with all aspects of the facility’s operations.
“Throughout my career I have made it a priority to bring people together around a common cause,” said Sprague. “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.”
Since 1998, Sprague has held leadership roles at both the national and section levels. He was a member of the PGA Board of Directors from 2007-10, as well as a number of key Committees. Sprague began his service to the Association on the Northeastern New York PGA Board of Directors in 1998 and served as Section President from 2003-04.
“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.”
Under Sprague’s leadership 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. In addition, he co-chaired the highly successful Ryder Cup Task Force, which created a blueprint for success in the event. Sprague also served the Association as PGA vice president and PGA Secretary.
Sprague is a 1988 graduate of James Madison University, in Harrisonburg, VA, where he competed on the golf team and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Marketing.
Sprague said he looks forward to relocating to the Dallas/Frisco area with his wife Jennifer.
Images courtesy PGA of America
