While the sport may have experienced a spike in interest since the global pandemic, golf has been loved and appreciated by many since it officially became a sport in 1744. On a mission to raise the game’s standards and attract interest and participation, The Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA of America) has been helping thousands of golfers navigate their golf journeys. Praised and respected for what he has done for PGA of America and the golf game, CEO Seth Waugh announced that he is stepping down from his position.
Waugh shared, “I am proud of all that we have accomplished for our more than 30,000 members and the game… I have enjoyed every moment serving alongside all of my colleagues, all the various officers and board members and getting to know so many of our dedicated members who are on the front line of the game that we love every day of the year. The day-to-day game has never been stronger, more beloved or better positioned for the future because of their passion and how we have all worked together to make millions of lives better through our remarkable sport.”
The news of Waugh’s departure came Wednesday, with the CEO announcing that he would not renew his contract, which expires on June 30th, and plans to shift to a senior advisory role with the organization. Appointed CEO in August of 2018, Waugh spent the three previous years before serving as CEO as an independent director on the PGA of America’s board of directors.
“The goal from the start was to leave the room better than we found it and I believe that together we have done just that,” stated Waugh.
During his tenure as CEO, Seth Waugh has achieved numerous milestones that have significantly impacted the PGA of America. His accomplishments include negotiating the PGA’s 11-year media rights deals with CBS and ESPN, establishing partnerships with Rolex and T-Mobile, relocating the PGA headquarters to PGA Frisco, introducing the first deferred compensation retirement plan for PGA members, leading the $100 million PGA REACH Foundation campaign, and raising over $35 million for PGA Places to Play. These initiatives have enhanced the game of golf and promoted inclusivity within the organization.
“On behalf of the more than 30,000 PGA of America golf professionals, we are grateful for Seth’s leadership and for all that he accomplished for our members, our game, the business and our people… He skillfully led us through incredibly challenging times and was always a great partner. We are fortunate to be able to call on him going forward for his always helpful advice and counsel,” said PGA of America President John Lindert.
Waugh shared that he is at an excellent time to move forward with his family, stating, “We have five children and there’s definitely something to that. But the reason from the PGA of America’s perspective is I’m proud of where we are. We’ve come an enormously long way. I always had this goal to leave this room a little better than we found it, and together with our folks, the board, all 31,000 members, I feel like we’ve done that, that the game’s in better shape,” on Wednesday night’s “Golf Central.”
Kerry Haigh, the PGA’s chief championships officer, will serve as the interim CEO while the national search for a permanent replacement is conducted.
