Golf’s biggest membership organization is ushering in a new era of leadership at a pivotal moment for the sport. The PGA of America announced this week that Terry Clark will become its next Chief Executive Officer, officially taking over on March 2. The move marks a strategic shift toward experienced corporate leadership at a time when continuity and long-term vision are top priorities for the association and its 30,000+ PGA of America Golf Professionals.
Clark succeeds Derek Sprague, who stepped down in January for family reasons after a long career in PGA leadership. In the interim, Kerry Haigh will continue to lead the organization until Clark arrives at the helm.
From Corporate Executive to Golf’s Top Office
Before being named CEO, Clark had been serving as an independent director on the PGA of America Board since 2024 – giving him insight into golf’s inner workings well before his appointment. At the time of the announcement, PGA leadership pointed to Clark’s business acumen, judgment, and respect for the organization’s mission as key reasons he earned the Board’s trust.
Clark’s resume before this role reads more like a Fortune 500 playbook than a typical golf executive path. He spent two decades at UnitedHealth Group, most recently as Chief Marketing Officer, where he oversaw enterprise-wide marketing, brand strategy, and customer experience for one of the country’s largest companies. His responsibilities spanned complex markets, diverse stakeholders, and global operations; all experiences the PGA of America believes will serve him well leading one of golf’s most storied institutions.
Moreover, Clark’s business roles have intersected with golf before, notably through leadership with Optum’s sponsorship of THE PLAYERS Championship, providing him valuable experience with tournament partnerships, broadcast collaboration, and the sport’s commercial side.
“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,” Nathan Charnes, PGA of America Vice President, said. “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.”
A Vision for Growth, Stability and Member Support
In his first statement as CEO-designate, Clark emphasized growth, support for PGA Professionals, and the enduring impact of golf at the community level.
“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.”
That people-first approach parallels his corporate track record, where brand trust and customer experience were central to his leadership philosophy. As the PGA of America works to elevate its major championships and broader programming, Clark’s experience could shape a new chapter of strategic alignment between golf’s grassroots and elite echelons.
Bridging Golf Tradition With Modern Leadership
Clark’s hire is notable for a broader reason; it reinforces a trend of golf institutions embracing leaders from outside traditional golf career paths. His predecessor, Sprague, came from a PGA-centric background, while Clark arrives from the corporate world with deep business expertise. That kind of shift signals the PGA of America’s intent to balance golf tradition with broader industry and business insights.
With marquee events like the PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and, when hosted in the U.S., the Ryder Cup on the calendar, the association has a high-profile platform to elevate the game in the coming years. Enhancing the fan experience, supporting professional development for PGA members, and leveraging strategic partnerships will likely be at the top of Clark’s agenda.
What’s Next for the PGA of America Under Clark
As Clark prepares to formally assume the CEO position next month, expectations are high for how he will chart the organization’s direction. In his own words, Clark is focused on clarifying mission, strengthening culture, and empowering teams to deliver for members and the sport at large.
Whether he’ll prioritize new strategic initiatives, deepen partnerships with media and sponsors, or reimagine how golf grows at the grassroots level remains to be seen, but his appointment suggests that the PGA of America is serious about merging tradition with modern leadership acumen. For golf fans, professionals, and stakeholders alike, Clark’s tenure will be one to watch closely.
The PGA of America Has a New CEO – and His Background Might Surprise You