PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh announced that he won’t continue in that role in July. In his absence, Chief Championships Officer Kerry Haigh will take on the role of the Interim CEO. A search for a new CEO is underway, the statement from the governing body revealed. However, it also specifically mentioned that Haigh won’t be considered for a permanent role. Waugh will move into an advisory position on the board following his resignation.

Prior to serving as CEO since 2018, Waugh was an independent director of the PGA of America Board. Just before completing his three-year tenure in that role, former CEO Pete Bevacqua resigned, opening the doors for the 66-year-old. 

Thanking Waugh, PGA of America President John Lindert wrote, “He skillfully led us through incredibly challenging times and was always a great partner. We are fortunate to be able to call on him going forward for his always helpful advice and counsel.” The PGA Championship was the first major to be hosted after the COVID-19 lockdown.

Moreover, during Waugh’s tenure, the PGA of America membership crossed the 30,000 mark for the first time in history. During his six-year stint, PGA of America moved its headquarters to Frisco, set up an $8 million Golf Emergency Relief Fund during the pandemic, inked an 11-year broadcasting deal with CBS and ESPN, and partnered with T-Mobile and Rolex.

Waugh, a former executive of the Deutsche Bank, said, “The day-to-day game has never been stronger, more beloved or better positioned for the future because of their passion and how we have all worked together to make millions of lives better through our remarkable sport.”

Nevertheless, Waugh’s departure came as a surprise. And the leadership change in the top governing body prompted some to call for a change in the PGA Tour’s leadership. Some speculate that Waugh might be playing that role as well. 

Jay Monahan has to win back the disgruntled fans

Jay Monahan has faced resignation calls before from his players as well. First, during the players-only meeting at the Oakdale Golf & Country Club after the initial merger announcement. Reportedly, Grayson Murray first raised the call for Monahan’s ouster. A few months later, Xander Schauffele, too, openly said he wouldn’t mind seeing a new CEO at the top. 

Although Monahan has emphasized he was the best man to steer the PGA Tour ship and he has support from Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Jack Nicklaus, and others, fans were not convinced. Spectators booing Monahan at the 2024 PLAYERS Championship trophy presentation showed that the 54-year-old was yet to win back a large section of PGA Tour loyalists. 

As the news of Waugh’s departure hit social media, some wanted Jay Monahan to take a similar decision. One of them wrote, “Jay Monahan to follow suit hopefully.” Another seconded that, writing, “Jay is next!”

Waugh has been vocal about the fractured state of the game, repeatedly calling for a unification as early as possible. Only last month, the veteran executive said, “I hope there’s urgency because I do think it’s doing damage to the Tour, to the game. As I said earlier, I hope it’s short-term damage as opposed to permanent damage, and so, I hope there’s some urgency in the timing around it because I just don’t think it’s a healthy situation right now.”

So some of the fans believe he might be better suited for a PGA Tour CEO role, and that might mean Monahan’s head would be on the chopping board. One user tweeted, “Watch your back Jay Monahan. Seth is coming!!!!!!!”

Waugh’s departure was the third such development at the top of professional golf. Previously, R&A Chief, Martin Slumbers announced he would step down as the CEO. In addition, Keith Pelley has already resigned from the DP World Tour. Some believe it’s the heralding of a new era. “No offense to Seth, but the last 2 years proved that we need complete regime change in pro golf. 2.5 down, 2.5 to go,” one of them commented. 

Some, however, were curious about the reason for his departure.  One of them wondered, “Is this him taking responsibility for Valhalla?!” This year’s PGA Championship was embroiled in controversy courtesy of an early morning shuttle bus accident that left one person dead. Moreover, Scottie Scheffler was briefly arrested. To make matters worse, visuals of Will Zalatoris and others walking to the course because of a traffic block didn’t sit well with many. 

A section of netizens also believe Waugh was forced to step down. Perhaps we would never know the exact details that led to his exit, but it sure leaves one key seat empty for the time being. The next CEO will have the task of taking a crucial stand till the PGA Tour and PIF finalize a deal.