PGA chief quits months after Ryder Cup nightmare as Jon Rahm details shocking abuse

Derek Sprague has announced he is stepping down as PGA of America CEO after a year in the role.

In a statement, he confirmed he will return to New York to support his family with care for his mother and mother-in-law.

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Sprague’s tenure is best known for the much-maligned handling of the crowd behaviour at the Ryder Cup in September.

Verbal abuse was aimed at several members of Team Europe during the event, including towards Rory McIlroy and his wife Erica Stoll.

However, PGA of America president Don Rea downplayed the abuse and claimed he was ‘not bothered’ by calls for him to resign.

Rea was also infamously filmed singing karaoke at an official hotel in front of the Team USA players’ families and guests.

Sprague, on the other hand, had extended his own personal apologies to McIlroy and the rest of Team Europe.

Having been elected in November 2024, Rea remains in his role as president, although Sprague has now stepped down.

PGA of America statement

In a statement, the PGA of America said: “The PGA of America today announced that Chief Executive Officer Derek Sprague will step down from his role to return to New York and support his family as his mother and mother‑in‑law require increased care.

“Sprague informed the PGA of America Board of Directors in early December of his immediate need to be with his family.

“The Board and Officers fully supported his decision, acknowledging his leadership and significant contributions as CEO.

“The PGA of America expects to name a new CEO in the coming weeks. Sprague will continue to advise the board and incoming CEO to ensure a smooth transition.”

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Meanwhile, Sprague said: “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.

“Serving as CEO of the PGA of America over the past year has been an incredible honour, 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.”

Sprague has been a PGA of America member since 1993, serving as a board member and officer in that time.

He also previously spent two years as president between 2014 and 2016.

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Jon Rahm on crowd abuse

His decision to step down comes after Jon Rahm detailed the abuse he received from the crowd in New York, although the two are unrelated.

The two-time major champion recalled the behaviour of spectators at the Ryder Cup, which included being labelled ‘fat’ and a ‘traitor’.

Rahm told the Subpar podcast: “With my group, so with me and Tyrrell (Hatton) and Sepp (Straka). All three of us rather overweight, two of them with a very far back hairline and two of us being in LIV.

“All I heard was ‘traitor’, ‘terrorist’, ‘fat’, ‘ozempic’ a lot and then ‘turkey’ and hairline appointment things.

“We heard that a lot and it was not so much what was being said. Of course you get the usual ones that would say something about your wife and your kids, expected but it’s over the line.

“It was more the fact that from the second we got to the range, it started, until we left the golf course, it was 10 to 12 hours, just nonstop.

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“I know other athletes hear it as well, like if the (LA) Lakers go to Boston, they’re going to hear it right, and anybody that goes to Philly hears it as well. But if you’re on the 50-yard line, you don’t hear anything.

“In our case, every single second you hear it. And the other thing that I wasn’t ready for, you can see the opening tee shot that I hit 400 yards right.

“I wasn’t ready for it to keep going as we were taking the club back. We hit a lot of shots with them still talking and that was the part that was something we had to adjust to.

“That first hole, I told Tyrrell on the green, I was like, ‘well, I guess that’s what we have. We’re not going to hit a shot all day or all tournament without it being rowdy.'”

Despite the distractions from the crowd, Rahm won three points for Europe from his five matches across the weekend.

They included wins in both of his foursomes matches with Tyrrell Hatton either side of a four-ball victory with Sepp Straka.