PGA of America names health insurance exec Terry Clark new CEO
The PGA of America has named former health insurance executive Terry Clark as its new CEO.
The appointment, announced on Wednesday, comes less than a month after Derek Sprague unexpectedly resigned from the job a year after taking the post, citing the need to spend more time with his family.
Clark, who emerged as the leading candidate immediately after Sprague's departure, has served as an independent director on the PGA of America's board since 2024. He spent 20 years at United Health Group, rising to chief marketing officer, where his portfolio included sponsorship of the Players Championship. He will officially take over the job March 2, with Kerry Haigh serving as interim CEO until then.
Beyond the PGA of America, Clark has served on boards for the YMCA and Special Olympics.
“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,” Clark said in a statement. “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, vice president of the PGA who is in line to become president in the fall, said Clark earned the board's trust through his leadership and judgement.
"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. At a time when continuity, stability, and long-term focus are essential, the board is confident Terry is the right leader to guide the association forward and continue advancing the game in meaningful and sustainable ways.”
Clark inherits an organization reeling from September's Ryder Cup debacle at Bethpage Black. The PGA of America faced widespread criticism for failing to control galleries that hurled verbal abuse at the European team, particularly Rory McIlroy, creating an environment that Euro captain Luke Donald said "crossed a line." The situation worsened when PGA of America president Don Rea appeared to excuse the behavior during a BBC interview, claiming the American team experienced similar treatment in Rome in 2023. Rea and Sprague later issued apologies.
"There's no place for that at the Ryder Cup, no place for it in the game of golf, and we are not happy with what happened last week," Sprague said.
Shortly after replacing replacing Seth Waugh as CEO, Sprague took a hardline stance against the USGA and R&A's efforts to address distance gains in golf by rolling back the golf ball. Last month, leaders of those two governing bodies announced they were exploring a possible delay in the scheduled 2028 implementation of the change for elite competition. Where Clark comes out on the issue is unclear.
The PGA of America returns to the spotlight in May at the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club outside Philadelphia. Scottie Scheffler is the defending champ.