PGA of America Appoints New CEO, Terry Clark, to Lead the Organization
FRISCO, Texas — The PGA of America has appointed UnitedHealth Group executive Terry Clark to be the next CEO, the second time in its last three hires the organization has chosen a business leader who was on its board of directors. This move comes at a time of significant change for the PGA of America, with four C-suite executives having taken new jobs in the last year, including Jeff Price (chief commercial officer) and John Easterbrook (chief membership officer).
Clark, the chief marketing officer at UnitedHealth Group, has been an independent director on the board of PGA of America since 2024. He replaces Derek Sprague, a past PGA president who resigned to spend more time with his family in upstate New York. Clark’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to bring stability and continuity to the organization, given his experience and familiarity with the PGA of America’s mission and values.
Background and Experience
Before joining the PGA of America, Clark served as the chief marketing and customer officer at Optum, a division of UnitedHealth Group. Optum is one of the key sponsors of The Players Championship, demonstrating Clark’s existing connections within the golf industry. His background in marketing and customer relations is expected to bring a new perspective to the PGA of America, potentially enhancing its brand and engagement with golf professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Seth Waugh, a longtime CEO at Deutsche Bank Americas, previously served as an independent director for the PGA before becoming its CEO in 2018 and serving for six years. His tenure included the significant move of the PGA headquarters from South Florida to a new facility north of Dallas. This precedent of appointing a board member to the CEO position suggests that the PGA of America values internal knowledge and trust in its leadership selections.
Reaction and Future Plans
“Terry has earned the board’s trust through years of disciplined leadership, sound judgment, and a deep respect for the PGA of America, our members, and our mission,” said Nathan Charnes, the vice president who is in line to become the PGA’s next president in November. “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 also expressed his vision for the future, stating, “My focus will be on providing clarity, strengthening our culture, and empowering our teams to support our members and PGA of America golf professionals at the highest level, while elevating our major championships and marquee events as defining stages for the game, our partners, and the communities we serve.” Kerry Haigh, the PGA’s chief competitions officer, will continue as interim CEO until Clark takes over in March.
The appointment of Terry Clark as the CEO of the PGA of America marks a significant moment for the organization, especially considering the current landscape of golf and the challenges posed by the pandemic and other external factors. As the golf world looks towards the future, the leadership of the PGA of America will play a crucial role in shaping the sport’s direction and growth.
With his deep understanding of the golf industry and his experience in marketing and customer relations, Terry Clark is poised to make a positive impact on the PGA of America and the sport of golf as a whole. His ability to provide clarity, strengthen the organization’s culture, and empower its teams will be crucial in the coming months and years.
