Golf chief who penned apology to Rory McIlroy over Ryder Cup abuse resigns

Derek Sprague has resigned as the chief executive of the PGA of America after just over a year in the role. 

Sprague, who previously worked as the general manager at TPC Sawgrass, was confirmed as Seth Waugh's replacement in December 2024. 

But in a statement, the 57-year-old has confirmed that he is stepping down to help support his mother and mother-in-law who require more care. 

The governing body, which runs the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup when it is held in the United States, will name his replacement shortly. 

"At my daughter’s 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‑in‑law," he said in a statement.

"Focusing 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.

"Serving as CEO of the PGA of America over the past year has been an incredible honour, and I will always be grateful for the trust placed in me by the board and thank them for their understanding.

"I also want to thank our staff for their tireless dedication. Their passion and commitment inspire me, and I know the Association will continue to thrive as it carries forward the proud mission of serving our members and growing the game."

The news comes four months after the 2025 Ryder Cup was held at Bethpage Black. 

The European team won the 45th edition of the biennial matches 15-13 but were subjected to a torrent of verbal abuse from outside the gallery ropes. 

Masters champion Rory McIlroy was the primary target and the PGA of America was condemned for what some believed was a lack of leadership. 

Many hecklers aimed personal insults at McIlroy and other European players, including taunts about their marriages, lives and physical appearance. 

LIV Golf recruit Jon Rahm said this week he was called a "traitor" and a "terrorist". 

McIlroy's wife, Erica, was also struck with a drinks cup that was thrown from the grandstand behind the 18h hole. 

The PGA of America also hired a comedian to gee up the crowd on the first tee, but she was forced to step down after repeating an expletive-laden chant about McIlroy back to the spectators. 

Don Rea, the president of the PGA of America, downplayed the fan behaviour during the event. 

A defiant Rea suggested the atmosphere was comparable to a "youth soccer game" and claimed the US players were subjected to similar treatment when they play in Europe. 

Europe's captain, Luke Donald, recently told The Times there was a clear difference between waving caps at Patrick Cantlay and shouting remarks about McIlroy's daughter Poppy. 

Rea, who was also filmed rapping Eminem on the same night he failed to apologize, later did say sorry for the offence he caused. 

His behaviour contrasted with Sprague, who penned what McIlroy described to BBC Sport as a "lovely letter" of apology. 

"I got a lovely email from Derek Sprague apologising," McIlroy said. 

"Erica worked with Derek at the PGA of America back in the day so we know Derek and his wife pretty well. He couldn't have been more gracious or apologetic and he wrote us a lovely letter, which we really appreciated."

"I take it as a compliment that they targeted me. But then at the same time, it was a tough week. That made us better as a team.

"It galvanised us and it really put our arms around each other."