Derek Sprague, less than a year into his role as the chief executive officer of the PGA of America, has announced his decision to step down in order to care for his mother and mother-in-law, who require additional support. Sprague, who took over the position in late 2024 as the first individual to transition from past president to CEO, informed the board of directors of his decision in December and will remain available to assist during the transition to a new CEO.
The PGA of America is expected to name Sprague’s successor in the coming weeks. In his statement, Sprague reflected on the importance of family, revealing that attending his daughter’s wedding in upstate New York made him realize he needed to be closer to his loved ones. “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,” he stated.
During his tenure, Sprague faced various challenges, such as the contentious issue of the golf ball rollback and the fan behavior during the Ryder Cup held at Bethpage Black. Shortly after stepping into the CEO role, Sprague took a strong position against the proposed rollback, firmly stating the PGA’s opposition: “There’s no change in our stance. We’re certainly vehemently against the ball rollback,” he said during the PGA Championship.
Furthermore, controversy emerged during the 2025 Ryder Cup when European players experienced hostility from fans. Despite PGA president Don Rea’s defense of the environment as comparable to that of a youth soccer game, Sprague took the initiative to apologize to Rory McIlroy for the situation, following backlash. McIlroy acknowledged Sprague’s graciousness in responding to the concerns presented.
Sprague’s time leading the PGA is noted for its challenges but also for his commitment to the organization and its members. His legacy highlights the association’s dedication to serving the golfing community and addressing important issues within the sport. As he steps back, the PGA continues to strive towards its mission of growth, inspiring optimism for the future of golf.