PGA chief steps down amid golf's civil war with clear message over sport's future

PGA of America boss quits with subtle message over state of LIV Golf and PGA Tour merger

Seth Waugh, CEO of PGA of America, has declared his intention to step down from his position after a six-year tenure. He delivered an optimistic final address about the state of golf as he concluded his term.

Waugh, who previously served as the chief of Deutsche Bank Americas, joined the historic organization, which boasts over 30,000 members, as an independent director in 2018.

During his time, he supervised the relocation of PGA of America's headquarters to Frisco, Texas, and witnessed a significant increase in memberships.

This news follows Keith Pelley's departure from the DP World Tour earlier this year after more than eight years as the European circuit's chief executive. Kerry Haigh, PGA's chief championships officer, has been appointed as interim CEO following Waugh's exit, with a search for a permanent replacement currently underway.

Waugh will continue to be associated with PGA of America in a different role, serving as a senior advisor. He will also attend the Open Championship and Paris Olympics this year.

His decision to leave his previous role came as his contract with the organisation was due for renewal, reports the Mirror.

Seth Waugh has decided to step down amidst a tumultuous time in golf's history, with ongoing disputes between LIV Golf, the PGA Tour, and the DP World Tour over a potential merger. Despite this, Waugh is confident he's leaving the sport in top form, remarking: "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. The fastest growth is 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."

John Lindert, president of the PGA of America, expressed his gratitude towards Waugh for his leadership and achievements, 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 skilfully 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."

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In his parting words, Waugh paid homage to the PGA of America's members and shared his enduring passion for golf, saying: "I have often said that golf is one of the great engines of good on Earth."

"I am perhaps the biggest all-time beneficiary of that good and I want to thank the membership, my colleagues, all the various board members, past presidents, our extraordinary partners, my peers at all the other golf bodies, as well as everyone who plays and loves our beautiful game for all the support and friendship during this journey."

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