The PGA of America’s Board of Directors has appointed Terry Clark as chief executive officer, effective March 2. Kerry Haigh will continue to serve as interim CEO until Clark assumes the role in March.
Clark has served as an independent director on the PGA of America Board since 2024. He joins the Association from UnitedHealth Group, where he most recently served as chief marketing officer, leading marketing, brand and customer experience for the Fortune 3 company. His responsibilities spanned a global organization serving consumers, businesses and government partners.
Earlier in his career, Clark held senior leadership roles at IAC/InterActiveCorp, where he served as executive vice president of Entertainment Publications, overseeing consumer and digital brands including Ticketmaster, Expedia, Hotels.com, and LendingTree. Throughout his career, Clark has led large organizations and worked in complex, multi-stakeholder environments spanning business, media and sports.
“Terry has earned the Board’s trust through years of disciplined leadership, sound judgment and a deep respect for the PGA of America, our members and our mission,” said Nathan Charnes, PGA of America vice president, who is in line to become president of the Association in November.
“As an independent director, Terry has developed a first-hand understanding of our strategic priorities, and the critical role PGA of America Golf Professionals play at every level of the game. He brings a proven ability to lead complex organizations with clarity and rigor, while fostering collaboration and accountability across diverse stakeholders. At a time when continuity, stability, and long-term focus are essential, the Board is confident Terry is the right leader to guide the Association forward and continue advancing the game in meaningful and sustainable ways,” continued Charnes.
In addition to serving on the PGA of America Board, Clark has long-standing involvement in the game of golf. He led Optum’s enterprise sponsorship as a partner of The Players Championship and worked closely with professional golf leadership, tournament teams and broadcast partners. His experience includes collaborating with major golf media platforms such as the Golf Channel and NBC, participating in live events and broadcast initiatives, and managing player sponsorship relationships.
“Golf is a game with a rare and enduring impact on individuals, families, and communities, and the PGA of America sits at the center of that influence,” Clark said. “Our greatest strength is our PGA of America Golf Professionals, trusted leaders in their communities who introduce, teach and grow the game in every corner of the world. At an important moment for golf, we have the right people, the right assets, and a meaningful opportunity to lead with purpose.
“I am grateful for the trust the Officers and Board have placed in me,” Clark continued. “My focus will be on providing clarity, strengthening our culture, and empowering our teams to support our Members and PGA of America Golf Professionals at the highest level, while elevating our major championships and marquee events as defining stages for the game, our partners, and the communities we serve.”
Clark’s current and past philanthropic and board service includes Children’s Hospital Minnesota Foundation, Special Olympics 2026 USA Games, YMCA of the North, Guthrie Theater Foundation, UnitedHealth Foundation, Minnesota Children’s Museum, and Positive Coaching Alliance. Clark earned a bachelor’s degree from Drake University.
Clark’s appointment follows Derek Sprague’s decision to step down as CEO to spend more time with his family after decades of service to the Association and the game. Sprague will remain involved with the PGA of America in his role as a PGA Past President.
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals.
Images courtesy PGA of America/Southern Pines
