PGA of America Golf Professional Derek Sprague marked the first 100 days of his tenure as the Association’s Chief Executive Officer last month after taking the position in late December. The first person to serve the PGA of America as a Past President and CEO, Sprague brings a wealth of experience as both a green grass golf professional and a leader in PGA governance to the job.
Sprague’s career arc is also unique in that he has ascended from more than a quarter century as General Manager and Director of Golf at his hometown course of Malone (New York) Golf Club to positions as Managing Director of Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey, and General Manager of TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida – a career that includes a spot in the PGA of America Hall of Fame for the Association’s 39th President and fifth CEO.
Sprague, 58, started in PGA governance in 1998, serving on the PGA of America Board of Directors from 2007–10 and as PGA of America President from 2014–16. As CEO, Sprague intends to draw upon his green grass background, experience in the boardroom and connections throughout the golf business to work for PGA of America Members.
Sprague recently sat down in his PGA Frisco office to talk with PGA Magazine about his first 100 days as CEO and beyond.
How are you feeling after 100 days as CEO of the PGA of America?
Derek Sprague: I’m feeling energized. My wife Jennifer and I are getting settled in the Frisco area and learning that everything really is bigger in Texas.
On the job, my first perception is that the team here at PGA Frisco is truly focused on the PGA of America Member. As a past officer and director, I expected that, but to see it happening day in and day out is really exciting. Our more than 30,000 strong membership should feel very good about the team here at headquarters.
We’re coming into championship season and a big year ahead of us with the Ryder Cup on U.S. soil, starting with a nice run through spectator championships at sites like Quail Hollow Club, Congressional Country Club and here at Fields Ranch in Frisco.
Personally, I’m getting up to speed and having what feels like a smooth transition since I understand the PGA of America governance structure. I’ve been focusing on my role in the golf industry, having seats on different boards and working with my counterparts from the other golf organizations.
You started your tenure as PGA of America CEO right before the 2025 PGA Show and have since been traveling to different PGA Sections. What’s been the reaction from the industry and other PGA of America Members to your becoming CEO?
Sprague: At the PGA Show and at each Section I’ve visited or virtual meeting I’ve sat in on, it’s been fun to get a really positive reaction from my fellow PGA of America Members and from the industry at large. I think the reaction from PGA of America Members is that they’re excited to have a longtime green grass PGA of America Golf Professional in the CEO seat who really understands what they do every day in their jobs.
Now with our expanded career paths, I also understand different roles, from being at a traditional green grass club in Malone, New York, for more than a quarter-century to working at a big club like TPC Sawgrass where we had 300-plus employees and hosted a very large tournament each year. I think I have a good understanding of organizations like the USGA, the R&A and the PGA TOUR, as well as all of the other allied associations that we work closely with.
But first and foremost, I appreciate the reaction from our Members and I’m glad they’re happy to have a PGA of America Member in the CEO role who can empathize with them and help deliver the services they need.