PGA chief executive confirms he will step down at end of season

Robert Maxfield, who has led The PGA through one of the most ambitious and progressive periods in its history, will step down as Chief Executive at the end of 2025.

Since taking on the role in 2017, Maxfield has been the driving force behind The PGA’s transformation into a truly member-first organisation — a vision built around one question he asked himself every single day: "How can we do more for our Members?"

"Leading The PGA and driving our support for Members has been a privilege," said Maxfield.

"Every day I performed my role, I was driven with one purpose — how can we do more to help and support our Members? Very early in my role as Chief Executive, I felt it critical to ensure the focus of our organisation was on our Membership."

Working closely with the senior leadership team, Maxfield set out a clear vision "to be the best and most reputable Members’ Association in sport”, underpinned by the mission “to improve the personal and professional lives of our Members."

"This clarity was critical," he explained.

"It focused the entire team on our core purpose. I reminded staff and Members at every opportunity that this was why we existed, and I’m pleased that this clarity of focus is now at the heart of everything the Association does."

Under Maxfield’s leadership, The PGA has delivered some of its most impactful initiatives in decades. 

The Members’ Survey launched in 2017 proved a catalyst for change, and by 2025 satisfaction levels had risen sharply.

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, The PGA moved swiftly — personally reaching out to its 8,000-strong membership, launching a dedicated support hub and running online webinars to keep PGA Pros connected and supported when golf came to a halt.

Education and career development were also overhauled under Maxfield’s watch. 

The launch of PGA Learn and PGA Excel revolutionised training and professional standards, while PGA Play created a new digital platform for lesson and custom-fitting bookings. 

A new recruitment site opened up fresh career opportunities for Members globally.

Maxfield also placed a strong emphasis on international collaboration.

He was instrumental in creating the PGA World Alliance, a body uniting PGAs around the globe and giving their Members a more powerful collective voice.

Tournaments, meanwhile, have seen a resurgence thanks to a refreshed Tournament Strategy, helping more Members return to competitive golf.

Looking to the future, Maxfield has made it clear that supporting Members moving into management roles will be key. 

The creation of the PGA Business & Management Institute reflects that ambition.

Maxfield also oversaw a comprehensive governance review designed to bring fairer elections, greater transparency and stronger diversity at board and committee levels.

Reflecting on his time at the helm, Maxfield said: "Our Members are the most highly qualified in our industry and it’s been a privilege to know so many of them. Their commitment fills me with great pride."

He added: "Since joining The PGA in 2006, I’ve been fortunate to work with some fantastic people, and the friendships and support from Members have meant so much."

PGA Chairman Alan White paid tribute to Maxfield’s leadership: "Rob’s consistent passion to support and help our Members was always at the heart of our conversations. On behalf of the Board and Members, I thank him for his vision, commitment and dedication — he has genuinely improved the personal and professional lives of our Members."

After nearly two decades with The PGA — and eight years leading it from the front — Maxfield steps down having redefined what it means to serve the game. 

Maxfield's legacy is one of modernisation, connection and unwavering focus on the Members he set out to champion from day one.