PGA of America chief leaves role with subtle message over LIV Golf-PGA Tour merger

Seth Waugh will leave his role as PGA of America CEO after six years in the hotseat as he issued a positive final address, with the state of the game being in a better shape

PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh has announced that he will depart his role after six years in the hotseat

He delivered an optimistic final address about the state of golf to conclude his term. Waugh, who previously served as the chief of Deutsche Bank Americas, joined the historic organization – which has over 30,000 members – as an independent director in 2018.

During his time, he supervised the relocation of the PGA of America’s headquarters to Texas and witnessed a rise in memberships. This follows Keith Pelley’s exit from the DP World Tour earlier this year after more than eight years as the circuit’s chief executive.

Kerry Haigh, PGA’s chief championships officer, has been appointed as interim CEO following Waugh’s exit, with a search ongoing for a permanent replacement. Waugh will continue to be associated with the PGA of America in a different role, serving as a senior advisor and attending the Open Championship and Paris Olympics this year.

His decision to leave his previous role came as his contract with the organization was due for renewal. During what has been a turbulent time in the golfing world, with ongoing disputes between LIV Golf, the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour regarding a merger proposal, Waugh assures that he’s leaving the game better off than when he started.