The PGA of America has a new CEO.
On Wednesday, the organization announced that former health insurance executive Terry Clark will take over as CEO on March 2. Derek Sprague resigned from the post on January 7 to spend more time with his family.
Clark has served as an independent director on the PGA of America board since 2024. He spent 20 years at United Health Group, where he rose to the role of Chief Marketing Officer. He has also served on the boards for the YMCA and the Special Olympics.
“Golf is a game with a rare and lasting impact on individuals, families and communities, and the PGA of America is at the center of that impact,” Clark said in a statement. “Our greatest strength is our PGA Golf Professionals of America – 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.”
PGA of America vice president Nathan Charnes, who will become president in November, said Clark earned the board’s trust with his long history of judgment and leadership.
“As an independent director, Terry has developed a first-hand understanding of our strategic priorities and the critical role of the PGA of America’s Golf Professionals at every level of the game,” said Charnes. “He brings a proven ability to lead complex organizations with clarity and rigor, fostering collaboration and accountability among various stakeholders. At a time when continuity, stability and long-term focus are essential, the Board is confident that Terry is the right leader to lead the Association forward and continue to advance the game in meaningful and sustainable ways.”
Clark’s appointment comes just months after the PGA of America faced widespread criticism of him handling crowds and the environment at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. The Bethpage crowd hurled a barrage of verbal abuse at the European players, with Rory McIlroy and his wife, Erica, taking her burden. The episode was compounded when PGA of America president Don Rea told the BBC that American players faced the same level of abuse during the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome. Sprague approached the McIlroys to apologize in person for the week of verbal abuse after the event ended.
The PGA of America will be in the spotlight again in May when the PGA Championship takes place in Aronimink outside of Philadelphia. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will be played in June at Hazeltine.
