PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague is stepping down from his position, stating that he will return to upstate New York to care for his family.<\/p>\n
In Wednesday\u2019s announcement, the PGA of America said Sprague informed its board of directors of his decision in early December. He will advise the board during its search for his successor and help with the new CEO\u2019s transition. The PGA of America said it expects to select a new CEO \u201cin the coming weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAt my daughter\u2019s 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\u2011in\u2011law,\u201d Sprague said in a statement. \u201cFocusing 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cServing as CEO of the PGA of America over the past year has been an incredible honor, and I will always be grateful for the trust placed in me by the Board and thank them for their understanding.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sprague and PGA of America president Don Rea came under fire this fall for not immediately reacting after Rory McIlroy and other golfers were verbally abused<\/a> by disappointed American fans at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York.<\/p>\n McIlroy, the face of the European team, heard lewd insults about his personal life, homophobic slurs and a steady stream of expletives during his pre-shot routines and backswings. Additionally, his wife Erica was hit with a beer thrown by a fan while the McIlroys were walking to the 17th green to cheer on his teammates.<\/p>\n The tensions rose enough that McIlroy and playing partner Shane Lowry eventually returned the expletives right back.<\/p>\n Several days later, a video was published in which Rea told BBC Sport that \u201cthings like that are going to happen,\u201d which was not received well by the European team.<\/p>\n