The PGA of America’s leadership transition is continuing with yet another major move in the organization’s executive ranks.
Outspoken PGA of America president Don Rea Jr., who came under fire at the Ryder Cup, will serve a reduced role until his two-year stint in office concludes in November.
“As has been observed, PGA of America President Don Rea’s responsibilities are now aligned to member-first priorities for the remainder of his term,” the organization said in a statement to Front Office Sports and other media outlets. “He will focus on board leadership, governance, section engagement and initiatives that directly support PGA of America golf professionals and reinforce the grassroots foundation of the association. With the recent CEO leadership transition complete and a new president taking office this fall, these changes reflect the board’s commitment to governance clarity, leadership alignment and sustained momentum for the association.”
Rea’s reassignment comes just a few weeks after Terry Clark was appointed CEO, replacing Derek Sprague, who announced in January he was stepping down after just one year on the job. Clark, formerly the CMO of UnitedHealth Group, had served on the PGA of America board since 2024.
The PGA of America is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization based in Texas that is a separate entity from the PGA Tour. It runs major events including the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship.
The PGA of America typically has one spot on the PGA Tour policy board, which Rea previously occupied, but was recently replaced by PGA of America vice president Nathan Charnes.
How the PGA Got Here
In September, Rea took criticism for comparing the unruly fan behavior at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York to the crowds in Europe when the event is played across the pond. He followed up with a LinkedIn post, saying he was “not bothered” by the criticism. Ultimately, he apologized for his remarks and the U.S. fan behavior.
Rea, 58, was elected president in November 2024, after serving as secretary and vice president of the PGA of America. The organization typically elects a new secretary every two years, with the intention of that individual serving four two-year terms as secretary, vice president, president, and honorary president.
Beyond the CEO and president shifts, the PGA of America also recently dealt with two other major shake-ups.
Last month, Ryan Ogle, former director of the 2026 PGA Championship, stepped away from his role just a few months before the event at Aronimink Golf Club outside Philadelphia is to be played May 14–17. Ogle became vice president of sales and service for Churchill Downs Racetrack.
And at the end of 2025, PGA of America chief commercial and philanthropy officer Jeff Price left the organization to become the CEO of the Heisman Trophy Trust, a nonprofit whose stated goal is “to grow the legacy and preserve the integrity of the Heisman Memorial Trophy.”
Every two years, the PGA of America holds an annual meeting to elect a new secretary. Delegates representing each of the 41 PGA Sections vote on secretary candidates who’ve campaigned. Similar to a popular vote, the candidate with the most delegate votes is elected.
