The PGA of America has named Terry Clark, a marketing executive from UnitedHealth Group, as its new chief executive officer, effective March 2. Clark, who has served as an independent director on the organization's board since 2024, succeeds Derek Sprague, who resigned in January to spend more time with his family. The appointment comes amid recent leadership turnover and criticism over the handling of last year's Ryder Cup.
The PGA of America announced on February 4 that its board of directors has appointed Terry Clark as chief executive officer, effective March 2. Clark, who joined the board as an independent director in 2024, brings extensive experience from UnitedHealth Group, where he spent 20 years and most recently served as chief marketing officer. He also held leadership roles at Optum, a division of UnitedHealth Group, and earlier at IAC/InterActiveCorp, overseeing brands like Ticketmaster and Expedia. Additionally, Clark has served on boards for the YMCA and Special Olympics.
Derek Sprague, the previous CEO, resigned on January 7 after less than a year in the role, citing the need to prioritize family time in upstate New York. Sprague was the first club professional to lead the PGA in nearly 20 years and had previously served as association president. Kerry Haigh, the PGA's chief competitions officer, will remain interim CEO until Clark assumes the position.
This hire follows a pattern of selecting business leaders with board experience; Seth Waugh, who preceded Sprague, was a former Deutsche Bank executive appointed in 2018. The organization has faced high turnover, with four C-suite executives departing in the past year, including Jeff Price and John Easterbrook.
Clark emphasized the PGA's central role in golf's impact: “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. 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.”
Nathan Charnes, PGA vice president and future president, praised Clark's qualifications: “As an independent director, Terry has developed a first-hand understanding of our strategic priorities and the critical role PGA of America Golf Professionals play at every level of the game. He brings a proven ability to lead complex organizations with clarity and rigor, while fostering collaboration and accountability across diverse stakeholders.”
The appointment arrives after widespread criticism of the PGA's management of the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, where European players, including Rory McIlroy, faced verbal abuse from crowds. Sprague had apologized to McIlroy and his wife following the event. Upcoming challenges include the PGA Championship at Aronimink in May and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine in June.
Optum, under Clark's leadership, has been a long-term sponsor of The Players Championship and partnered with players like McIlroy and Rickie Fowler.