The Sprague Story
PGA of America CEO and Past President Derek Sprague, PGA, guides the business and overall strategy of one of the world’s largest sports organizations, serving its more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals.
Sprague is the first person to serve the Association as a PGA Past President and CEO. He served as the 39th President from 2014-16. Sprague was named CEO on December 20, 2024.
A PGA of America Member since 1993, Sprague has served as the General Manager of TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida – home of The Players Championship – 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 27 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.
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The PGA Championship is one of golf’s four major tournaments. What is the most defining aspect of the event?
The PGA Championship annually delivers the strongest, all professional field in golf, and the 107th edition this year will be no exception at Quail Hollow Club.
The combination of courses set up by PGA of America Chief Championships Officer Kerry Haigh at world-class major championship venues ensures that the PGA Championship is one of golf’s and the sporting world’s premier events.
How has the new May dates for the championship worked when compared to the
previous August time frame?
The shift of the PGA Championship to May has been a successful move for the organization and the sport.
The move has helped increase the motivation and excitement of recreational golfers at the beginning of the golf season and it provides a great opportunity for our more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals to engage with their customers and welcome new golfers to the game.
Each year, twenty PGA Professionals earn a spot in the PGA Championship via the PGA Professional Championship. Do you see that number set in stone or will future changes happen?
One of the most treasured opportunities for PGA of America Members is the chance to compete with the world’s best in the PGA Championship. Known as the Corebridge Financial Team, our twenty PGA Professionals competing at Quail Hollow this year not only maintain a high level of competitive play, but dedicate their careers to the golf industry, helping others enjoy the game.
In 2024, Braden Shattuck of the Philadelphia PGA Section and Jeremy Wells of the South Florida PGA made the weekend at Valhalla, and of course, in 2023 (at Oak Hill) Michael Block’s top-15 finish and incredible hole-in-one still resonates.
One of the most important topics has arisen with the future implementation of a modified golf ball that will travel less distance. The rule comes into play for elite level pro golf tours in 2028 and for the broader golf population in 2039. Do you support such a developmenthappening?
We continue to have constructive and collaborative conversations with the governing bodies regarding the future changes to golf ball testing.
We have expressed our concern to the USGA and R&A that we are opposed to any change that may potentially lessen the enjoyment of the game for recreational golfers or diminish the unprecedented momentum the game is enjoying.
We will continue to work with the USGA and R&A on the process of testing and on implementation strategies for the golf ball rollback.
If the PGA of America and PGA Tour opt out from following the USGA and R&A new golf ball rules when implemented in 2028 what will that mean to golf overall?
Three years is a long time from now. We won’t speculate on those decisions at this time, as we know things can change. We will continue to have further discussions with the USGA and R&A.
This year’s Ryder Cup matches will be held at Bethpage in Long Island, NY. There’s been concern regarding fan behavior and how past instances have not been handled swiftly. How do you see this year’s event being different in that regard?
The spirited and respectful crowds on both sides of the pond are part of what makes the Ryder Cup special wherever it is played. As Captain Keegan Bradley said, Bethpage is New York’s home course and now it’s America’s home course. We fully expect the New York spectators will provide us with loud and passionate support.
There is no place for behavior that crosses the line, and oftentimes, other fans will even step in to make sure everyone can have a safe, enjoyable time. In coordination with New York State Police, we will have a robust security plan in place to help ensure a positive experience for all involved.
When people hear the words – PGA of America – what do you want them to say?
We are the gatekeepers of the game. I want our PGA of America Golf Professionals to be the first person, their first resource, when they need help with anything.
From beginners to competitive golfers, our PGA Golf Professionals are the tangible connection to this great game we love. The PGA of America’s mission is to grow the game and make it accessible and fun for everyone.
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Images of Quail Hollow courtesy of PGA of America/Gary W. Kellner.
