Appointed as the PGA of America CEO just in December 2024, Derek Sprague has abruptly resigned, immediately fueling speculation that the fallout from the Rory McIlroy abuse row at the Ryder Cup claimed its first major casualty.

NUCLR GOLF tweeted, “🚨⛳️🇺🇸 #JUST IN: PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague has resigned. The PGA of America says they expect to name a new CEO in the weeks to follow.”

The PGA of America faced deep scrutiny during Sprague’s regime.

Due to no fault of his own, they were in the spotlight after the Bethpage incident.

Instead of supporting or criticizing the lackluster performance of Team USA, the crowd went on to target Team Europe at Bethpage Black. Along with intense verbal abuse, disruptive noises during McIlroy’s swings, a fan even threw a drink at his wife, Erica.

When asked about the abuse hurled towards McIlroy and team, the PGA of America President Don Rea’s shocking statement caught even more attention.

“I haven’t heard some of that. I’m sure it happened,” Rea shared with BBC. “It happens when we’re over in Rome on the other side, and Rory understands. Things like that are going to happen.”

After that, the CEO tried to repair the damage, too.

He told Golfweek, “There’s no place for that at the Ryder Cup.”

He also vowed to send “heartfelt apologies” to McIlroy & Erica Stoll on behalf of the PGA of America. Michael McEwan confirmed that he had followed through with that email as well. But they continued to face backlash.

His early resignation suggests that things still hadn’t settled down in the headquarters. But the CEO may have had another reason, too.

Sprague shared a statement explaining his exit: “At my daughter’s wedding last month in upstate New York, it became clear that my family needs me nearby to assist with the care of my mother and mother‑in‑law. Focusing on family has become my priority, and the best decision for me is to step away from my role as CEO and return home to be with them.”

Being the CEO of the PGA of America can take quite a toll on someone’s family life. It seems that Sprague wanted to spend more time with his family. Hence, he decided to step away from his role. This has become a common trend in golf in recent times.

Mito Pereira also announced his retirement as he wanted to move back to his home in Chile and live close to his family.

But Sprague didn’t conclude his statement there. He also had a message for his former associates.

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Former CEO acknowledges his time with the PGA of America

He may have had a rocky time during his one year at the PGA of America, but Derek Sprague still got to work with some of the biggest names in the sport. He even took a strong stance against ball rollback rule changes supported by Tiger Woods & Co. While the whole Don Rea-Rory McIlroy incident may have gone sideways, Sprague still couldn’t help but acknowledge his time with the PGA of America.

“Serving as CEO of the PGA of America over the past year has been an incredible honor, and I will always be grateful for the trust placed in me by the Board and thank them for their understanding. I also want to thank our staff for their tireless dedication. Their passion and commitment inspire me, and I know the Association will continue to thrive as it carries forward the proud mission of serving our members and growing the game.”

It’s uncertain whether he is genuinely taking a break from work or was forced out of his position. But would he have had a more positive impact if his regime hadn’t been filled with such controversial incidents? Guess we will never know.