‘Get the F**k Outta Here’: PGA of America CEO’s Lone Stance on Golf Ball Rollback Stirs Up a Huge Storm

PGA of America CEO, Derek Sprague has come out strongly against the golf ball rollback plan announced by the USGA and R&A in December 2023, which aims to reduce hitting distances for professional, elite amateur, and recreational players. Sprague expressed doubts about the plan, suggesting that the PGA of America wouldn’t support it, and stated that their opposition is “getting stronger now as we get closer” to the introduction of the new balls in 2028 for pros and 2030 for recreational players. With the PGA of America seeking a more prominent role in the decision-making process, Sprague emphasized the need for a collaborative approach, saying “We really want to have a seat at the table because we’re a key component in the golf ecosystem.”

However, Sprague’s stance on the issue has not been without controversy. In the latest YouTube episode of the No Laying Up podcast, a heated discussion unfolded regarding the PGA Tour’s stance on the ball rollback policy. At the center of the controversy is Derek Sprague, Seth Waugh’s successor, who has been accused of being dishonest about the Tour’s involvement in the decision-making process. As one critic noted, “Oh, this guy sounds so unserious  I mean straight up like Seth Waugh came from running a a multi-billion dollar global bank and and he sat on boards this and Derek Sprague was running TPC Saw Grass for the last decade get the f**k out of here man.” This sentiment stems from Sprague’s claim that the PGA Tour had not been involved in the discussions, despite Seth Waugh having sent a memo to the USGA and R&A in August 2023, explicitly objecting to the proposed rollback standard.

Sprague’s comments sparked outrage, with critics labeling his statements as “outright lying” and “gaslighting.” As one critic pointed out, “F**king gaslighting is what it is… try to say that you weren’t involved in it like we [don’t know]… it’s just so funny to me.” This criticism highlights the perceived disconnect between Sprague’s claims and the available evidence. Furthermore, critics argue that the PGA Tour’s attempts to distance themselves from the decision-making process are “Just pandering, right? It’s not, I don’t think, that this is a really thought-out, like, logical position.”

As the controversy surrounding Sprague’s comments continues to unfold, it’s clear that his leadership will bring significant changes to the PGA of America.

A new era for the PGA of America

Derek Sprague, the newly appointed CEO of the PGA of America, is making a bold statement in the golf world with his opposition to the proposed rollback policy. This policy, backed by golf legends Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, aims to reduce the distance golf balls can travel in order to maintain the sport’s traditional challenges. However, Sprague is not afraid to challenge the status quo, declaring “I don’t like bifurcations” and expressing concerns that separate equipment requirements for amateurs and professionals could split the sport. By taking a stance against the rollback policy, Sprague is signaling a new era for the PGA of America, one in which the organization is willing to think outside the box and challenge conventional wisdom.

The debate over the rollback policy highlights the complexities of balancing tradition and innovation in golf. On one hand, Woods and Nicklaus argue that limiting equipment advancements is necessary to protect the integrity of the game. Nicklaus has stated, “We need to protect the game,” while Woods has said, “I’ve always been for bifurcation, I’ve always said that.” On the other hand, Sprague and others argue that bifurcation could have unintended consequences, such as splitting the sport and creating confusion among golfers. As the new CEO of the PGA of America, Sprague’s viewpoint represents a significant departure from the stance of the sport’s most iconic figures, and it will be interesting to see how this debate plays out in the months and years to come.