Derek Sprague is leaving after one year as CEO at the PGA of America, wishing to return to upstate New York to help support his mother and mother-in-law, who are requiring more care.
Sprague took over in January 2025, the first club professional in 20 years to be CEO and the first former PGA president appointed to the role. The PGA of America has some 30,000 professionals, and it runs the Ryder Cup in America and the PGA Championship tournaments for men, women and seniors.
He said he would stay on in an advisory role to ensure a smooth transition when the PGA of America finds his successor. Sprague informed the PGA of America board in early December of his need to get home to Malone, New York.
The PGA of America said it expects to announce a new CEO in the coming weeks.
“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 released Thursday. “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.”