The new PGA of America boss over what he wants most for the game

Orlando, Fla – Among the last wave of appointments at the top of the game: Derek Sprague, which last month was by the name of the CEO of Americareplacing Seth Waugh.

Sprague, who will oversee an organization that represents more than 30,000 PGA club professionals, knows little about the needs of his electorate because he himself was a pro – for 25 years at Malone Golf Club in his hometown Upstate New York. Recently, Sprague was the general manager at Tpc sawBut in his new role, he says, he aims to bow a lot to his club roots.

At the beginning of this week, Sprague, 57, sat down with golf.com at Merchandise PGA show To discuss his new post, his start in Golf and some of the weighty questions that depend on his game and organization.

Golf.com: Kind what kind of reaction have you received from your friends PGA Pro since getting the job?

Sprague: The first thing I get from the pros here is, “I’m really happy for you.” The second thing is, “I’m really happy for us.” The third thing I’m taking is, “How can I help you?”

Some of the best, both publicly and privately, have expressed dissatisfaction with what they see as a break between America’s PGA leadership and the benefits of rank and files. How you are -head pro yourself, how can you help with that?

DS: I want them to know they have a CEO who know exactly what they have gone through in their careers and their PGA journey. I’m just continuing my PGA journey, but she started in the back room, in the golf shop, then working on the lesson and administering the tournament. I’ve worn all the hats in my career, and now I’m wearing the CEO hat, so I can join all those assistants and all those golf professionals in our organization.

Golf.com: Do you think your friends will feel comfortable taking the phone and calling you?

Many people have my mobile number since I was in New York and New Jersey and Florida, and they didn’t wait until I officially got the job to call. They have been filling my phone with ideas and putting me a problem in my ear.

I understand that you have given special silver coins to members and the best in the organization. For what purpose?

This idea actually came from the new PGA (America) President Don Rea who ordered a coin with a picture of PGA of America National Headquarters In Frisco, Texas. On one side it says, “We love this game.” On the back, there is a Havaje saying, which translates freely (meaning), “serve the member, increase the game”.

Mean what does this phrase mean to you?

I think it’s one, you know, a PGA, we’re in this together. The army has this kind of secret handshake, where they place the coin in hand and say, “hey, we are the real deal. We are in this together.” We give it for the good or in the speeches of the college or people who are interested in saying that we are all in this together. We can achieve more together than far away.

How did you start in golf?

I served for 27 years at Malone CC at the Upstate New York, a very small club near the Canadian border, where I started in the bag room. After graduating from college, I was hired as a professional manager and club at the age of 21. Then I spent two years in Liberty National (in Jersey City, Nj). I ran a cup of president there before I moved to TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Verde, Fla., Where he supervised some player championships.

What did you learn from those jobs?

When I was in Malone, we were always one of the smallest PGA sections in the country, and then moved to Liberty National where the section was slightly larger, and then in North Florida, one of the largest sections in place. I know about the little boy, and this is one of the things I have expressed at the executive directors’ dinner – we all have to work together in the game.

Is the job of “Golf Pro” better, worse or almost the same as when you started?

I think it’s much better. One of the things is that we all love golf, but when I started, we worked sun west. When you are northeast, it is basically sunset at sunset from the day of opening to Columbus Day. But you did it because they loved the industry, you loved the game, you did what you got.

But today things have changed, and employers understand the value of a PGA professional. Compensation is at a high time; It has never been higher in our organization. And this will continue to escalate because employers see the value of well -trained PGA professionals in their facilities and many of the benefits have more work and life balance. But we are still dependent on the game.

Which golf leaders do you have relationships with?

I know (National President of Augusta) Fred Ridley From my work with the project of the car, chip and votes with it. I worked with the Executive Director of USGA Mike whan To form the PGA Championship of KPMG women when it was with LPGA. And I have worked with PGA Tour Jay Monahan commissioner.

And you played Golf with President Donald Trump, right?

Yes, I played with President Trump twice when I was the US President’s PGA: Once in (Trump) Bedminster (in New Jersey), and once in Los Angeles.

How did it go?

No one beat the president, I know it. But he really appreciates PGA Pro, hires many of them and is a great golf fan, who can be a great help.

A great help in what way? Can he be useful in the continuous PGA Tour-Pif negotiations?

Well, I think you’ve got all this new leadership entering the game that will take a new look at the golf industry, and is in our best interest in all things to work together to adult the game.

What do you see as the PGA of America’s role in the general game these days?

I think we have a big role in the game. When you look at it, America’s PGA has 40 percent of the championship calendar, and three of the biggest Golf Calendar events (Ryder Cup, PGA Championship and PGA of KPMG women), so we have a huge impact.

Talking about the Ryder Cup, America’s PGA got the heat When she appreciated the one-day tickets Ryder Cup with $ 750 or more for this fall event in Bethpage Black, almost double the previous rate. What did you get from the public response?

I think golf professionals and golf people realized that golf is more popular than ever, and every time and ticket is worth it. I think they will fit this. Tickets in the secondary market are much higher.

Some people at the PGA show this week have noticed that the recreational game has never been better or more popular, but the professional game is at a worrying crossroad, if not in trouble. Given that your work lies on both sides of the game, what can the American PGA do to help solve this?

We all want unity in this sport. We all want unity, and we want to increase the game. The growth of the game benefits all stakeholders. If golf is growing, our manufacturers are inventing new products to sell to consumers, and consumers are looking for those new products. I think it’s a victory if we can all unite and have that unity.

But how specifically can you help achieve this?

As you know, we are now allowing Livi players to play on our team Ryder Cup, so this is something that moves forward. There is a proposed ball return, which is being studied. (Ed: Sprague said that he opposes the return of return, which is decided to take effect for elite professionals and amateurs in 2028.) This is why I mentioned the new leadership. We may have new people to take a look at the sport and come with some new ideas that have not been used before.

You mean ideas like Topgolf or TGL SIMULATOR LEAGUE New?

Absolutely. I have only seen 10 minutes TGL on my phone from the beginning, but it looks great to increase the game and will continue. Seth Waugh always mentioned Topgolf – where people have birthdays and social exits, and we can work to spend those people in lessons from PGA coaches to 9 or 18 golf holes in green grass courses. There are many ways to increase our sport from the main bases. This is something with my ancestry in golf in which I can really focus.