PGA of America Names Derek Sprague CEO
The PGA of America announced that Derek Sprague will serve as the Chief Executive Officer.
Sprague becomes the first person to serve the Association as a Past President and now a CEO.
“Throughout my career I have made it a priority to bring people together around a common cause. At a time of profound change in golf, there is also a 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,” said Sprague in a press release.
He served as the 39th President from 2014-2016.
Sprague will succeed Seth Waugh as CEO.
“Derek is the consummate PGA of America Golf Professional. 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,” said PGA of America President Don Rea Jr., PGA Master Professional and owner/operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club (Arizona).
Sprague’s Career
A PGA of America Member since 1993, Sprague has served as the General Manager of TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida since January 2018.
He previously was the Managing Director of Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey (2016-17), which hosted the 2017 Presidents Cup during his tenure.
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.