Seth Waugh, the CEO of the PGA of America, has announced his decision to step down from his position after a six-year tenure. Waugh’s departure comes at a pivotal moment for the organization and the sport, marked by significant achievements and ongoing challenges in the golfing world.
Waugh joined the PGA of America in 2018 as an independent director before taking on the role of CEO. Before his tenure at the PGA, Waugh had a distinguished career as the chief of Deutsche Bank Americas. Under his leadership, the PGA of America saw substantial growth in membership and successfully relocated its headquarters to Frisco, Texas.
The organization, which represents over 30,000 golf professionals, thrived under Waugh’s guidance, even amid the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seth Waugh Bids Farewell to PGA of America
Seth Waugh’s decision to step down comes at a time when the golfing world is grappling with significant changes and uncertainties. His tenure saw the PGA of America navigating through the challenges posed by the emergence of LIV Golf and its contentious merger proposal with the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour.
Despite these challenges, Seth Waugh maintained an optimistic outlook, stating,
“It feels like the right time, not only personally but professionally. We’ve accomplished an awful lot in the six years. The game has never been in better shape. Participation is at an all-time high. It’s growing in all the ways we hoped it would.”
Seth Waugh’s leadership was characterized by his commitment to inclusivity and diversity in golf. He emphasized the importance of making the sport accessible to a broader audience, noting that the fastest growth rates were among women and people of color.
“We try to make the game look like the rest of the world, and maybe have the world behave more like our game,” Waugh remarked in his farewell address.
During his six years as CEO, Seth Waugh oversaw several pivotal moments for the PGA of America. One of his notable achievements was the successful move of the PGA Championship from August to May, aligning it better with the golfing calendar and avoiding conflicts with other major sports events.
He also played a crucial role in reviving professional golf during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that the sport could continue safely and that the PGA Championship was the first major to be conducted in 2020.
Seth Waugh’s departure follows that of Keith Pelley, the chief executive of the DP World Tour, earlier this year. The golfing world has seen a significant turnover in leadership, with Martin Slumbers of the R&A also announcing his retirement plans. This leadership shake-up adds to the complexities faced by the sport, especially in light of the ongoing disputes and negotiations surrounding the proposed LIV Golf-PGA Tour merger.
Kerry Haigh, the PGA’s chief championships officer, has been appointed as the interim CEO following Seth Waugh’s exit. The search for a permanent replacement is already underway. Haigh, who has been with the PGA of America for many years, brings a wealth of experience to the role, ensuring continuity as the organization navigates this transitional period.
Despite stepping down as CEO, Waugh will continue to be associated with the PGA of America in a different capacity. He will serve as a senior advisor and will remain involved in major events like the Open Championship and the Paris Olympics this year.
His ongoing involvement will provide valuable continuity and insight during this transitional phase.
John Lindert, President of the PGA of America, acknowledged Seth Waugh’s significant contributions, stating,
“We are grateful for Seth’s leadership and for all that he accomplished for our members, our game, the business, and our people. He skillfully led us through incredibly challenging times and was always a great partner.”
Seth Waugh’s resignation marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the PGA of America. His tenure was marked by growth, inclusivity, and resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.
As the organization looks to the future, it faces the task of finding a leader who can build on Waugh’s legacy and navigate the evolving landscape of professional golf.
Waugh leaves the PGA of America with a strong foundation and a positive outlook for the sport’s future.
“I have often said that golf is one of the great engines of good on Earth,” Waugh reflected.
His optimistic vision and dedicated leadership have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the organization and the sport.
In the coming months, the golfing world will closely watch how the PGA of America manages this transition and who will take up the mantle to lead the organization into its next era. With the 2025 Ryder Cup on the horizon and ongoing discussions about the future of the sport, the new leadership will have crucial decisions to make in shaping the future of golf.