Golf governing body makes huge announcement

The PGA of America has revealed who will be taking over from Seth Waugh as chief executive of the governing body.

Derek Sprague was announced as the new CEO on 20 December.

He becomes the first club professional to lead the organisation in nearly 20 years.

Waugh took over the role in 2018 and announced his retirement earlier in the year.

Don Rea, the current president of the PGA of America, said: "To have a leader at the helm who knows every detail of the association and what it means to be a PGA of America Member will enable our association to succeed far into the future."

Sprague said: "Throughout my career I have made it a priority to bring people together around a common cause.

"At a time of profound change in golf, there is also great opportunity for our association and our members.

"It is my task, alongside the officers and board, to elevate the profession of our more than 30,000 PGA of America golf professionals while ensuring the health of the association and its relationships within our industry."

Sprague takes over at a time when golf is going through a big turnover in leadership.

Martin Slumbers left his role as the chief executive of the R&A earlier in the month after nine years at the home of golf. 

Mollie Marcoux Samaan has announced she is resigning from the top job at the LPGA Tour.

Guy Kinnings recently took over from Keith Pelley as the chief executive of the European Tour Group.

Greg Norman has confirmed he will be replaced as commissioner of LIV Golf.

And PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan this week announced that the North American Circuit has begun the search for a new chief executive.

Sprague also faces some choppy waters in his first few months in his new position.

Earlier in the month, the board approved a package that will see U.S. Ryder Cup players paid to compete in the biennial event for the first time in its 97-year history.

All 12 golfers will be paid $500,000 each, with $200,000 of that being paid directly to the team members as a 'stipend'.

Several former U.S. Ryder Cup captains wrote to the PGA of America to try and prevent the package being approved.

It remains to be seen whether there could be a dramatic U-turn on the controversial decision.

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