PGA of America Replaces Derek Sprague by Naming a New CEO With Heavy Ties in Business & Golf

Sonali SV

February 4, 2026 | 3:28 PM EST

PGA of America Replaces Derek Sprague by Naming a New CEO With Heavy Ties in Business & Golf — PGA of America replaces Derek Sprague by naming a new CEO with heavy ties in business & golf

The PGA of America has moved quickly to reshape its leadership, announcing a new chief executive just weeks after Derek Sprague stepped down from the role.

On Wednesday, the organization confirmed that PGA of America has appointed Terry Clark as its next CEO. Clark will officially take over on March 2 with Kerry Haigh serving as interim CEO in the meantime.

Clark joins the role with a strong business background and growing involvement in the golf world. He most recently worked as chief marketing officer at UnitedHealth Group where he also played a part in Optum’s sponsorship of The Players Championship. Through that work he partnered closely with broadcasters such as Golf Channel and NBC.

Clark has also been a member of the PGA of America’s board since 2024, giving him direct experience with the organization before stepping into the top leadership position.

In a statement released by the PGA of America, Clark shared his vision for the future.

“Golf is a game with a rare and enduring impact on individuals, families and communities and the PGA of America sits at the center of that influence,” Clark said.

“Our greatest strength is our PGA of America Golf Professionals — trusted leaders in their communities who introduce, teach, and grow the game in every corner of the world. At an important moment for golf we have the right people, the right assets and a meaningful opportunity to lead with purpose.

I am grateful for the trust the Officers and Board have placed in me. My focus will be on providing clarity, strengthening our culture and empowering our teams to support our Members and PGA of America Golf Professionals at the highest level, while elevating our major championships and marquee events as defining stages for the game, our partners and the communities we serve.”

The leadership change comes after Derek Sprague exited the CEO position in early January. Sprague had made history as the first person to serve as both a past president and CEO of the PGA of America but stepped away from the executive role less than a year into his term.

GOLFZON partners with PGA of America professionals

GOLFZON, the world leader in simulator golf technology has announced a new long term partnership with the Southern California Section of the PGA of America to support more than 1,800 PGA Professionals across the region.

As part of the agreement, GOLFZON will take part in chapter meetings, join educational webinar sessions, and set up live simulator demonstrations during tournaments hosted by the Southern California PGA throughout the year.

The partnership will also include annual training events held at GOLFZON’s West Coast Showroom and at Golf Envy in Irvine, a facility that previously won GOLFZON Tour Season 1.

GOLFZON America CEO Sean Pyun said the collaboration is focused on blending technology with golf instruction to help grow the game.

“Partnering with the SCPGA allows GOLFZON to work directly with PGA of America Professionals and facilities that seek to grow the game of golf by embracing technology and innovation,” Pyun said. “Through GOLFZON’s unmatched technology and the SCPGA’s extensive member network, we’re creating new opportunities for golfers of every skill level to learn, improve and enjoy the game.”

Through the partnership, PGA Professionals will be able to experience GOLFZON’s advanced simulator systems including the GDR MAX designed for coaching and club fitting and the TwoVisionNX which features a moving platform that can recreate thousands of real course conditions.

GOLFZON’s simulator course library already includes several popular Southern California venues such as Aviara Golf Club, PGA West’s Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course, Mountain Course and Stadium Course, along with Tijeras Creek Golf Club.

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