PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague will step down after just one year in the role, citing family reasons, the association announced Wednesday.
Sprague, who was based at the PGA’s headquarters in Frisco, Texas, will return to his longtime home of Malone, New York, to support his family as his mother and mother‑in‑law require increased care, according to a PGA news release.
“At my daughter’s wedding last month in upstate New York, it became clear that my family needs me nearby to assist with the care of my mother and mother‑in‑law,” Sprague said in a statement. “Focusing on family has become my priority, and the best decision for me is to step away from my role as CEO and return home to be with them.
“Serving as CEO of the PGA of America over the past year has been an incredible honor, and I will always be grateful for the trust placed in me by the board and thank them for their understanding. I also want to thank our staff for their tireless dedication. Their passion and commitment inspire me, and I know the association will continue to thrive as it carries forward the proud mission of serving our members and growing the game.”
Sprague informed the PGA of America board of directors in early December of his immediate need to be with his family. The association hopes to have a successor in place by the start of the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, on Jan. 20, officials told PGA section executive directors in a Wednesday morning conference call, a call participant told Global Golf Post.
Sprague will continue to advise the board and incoming CEO to ensure a smooth transition, the news release said.
Sprague, who became a PGA of America member in 1993, grew up in Malone and was a longtime professional at Malone Golf Club who went on to serve the PGA in multiple national leadership roles, culminating as president from 2014-2016. He was inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame in 2019 and named to succeed Seth Waugh as CEO in December 2024.
Sprague’s brief CEO tenure was marked by his vocal opposition to the USGA and R&A’s plans to roll back golf ball distance and his high-profile apology to Rory McIlroy and his wife, Erica, for the abusive treatment they endured from fans at last September’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.