In PGA of America’s CEO search, leading candidate emerges

Former PGA of America president Roger Warren is the leading candidate to become the PGA of America’s next chief executive officer, according to two high-ranking PGA officials with direct knowledge of the recruitment process.

If appointed, Warren would succeed Seth Waugh, who stepped down this summer after a six-year run. Kerry Haigh, the PGA of America’s chief championships officer, has been serving as interim CEO.

Warren, who is president of Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina, served as PGA of America president from 2005-2006 and is a member of the association’s Hall of Fame. According to the PGA sources, among the finalists who also were in the running for the job were Derek Sprague, another former PGA president who is now general manager of TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Fla., and David Reasoner, the head golf professional at Ridgewood Country Club in Saddle Brook, N.J.

Warren did not return phone and e-mail messages from GOLF.com.

PGA of America spokesman Julius Mason said by email, “When we have an update we will let you know.”

Waugh, who still serves as an advisor to the PGA of America, declined to comment.

A PGA of America official said the association was aiming to name Waugh’s replacement before the PGA’s annual meeting, which is scheduled for Nov. 4-7 in Milwaukee. But the decision-making process was slowed by talks the association was having with another candidate, a top executive at a leading golf equipment manufacturer. That candidate is no longer in consideration.

If his appointment is made official, Warren, who is 74, will be among the older PGA of America CEOs.

An Illinois native, Warren was a high school teacher and golf coach for nearly a decade before he entered the golf-course management business in his home state. In 2003, Warren was named director of golf at Kiawah Island Golf Resort before two years later becoming the resort’s president. Kiawah’s Ocean Course has played host to two PGA Championships during Warren’s tenure, in 2012 and 2021. The event will return to the Ocean Course in 2031.

The PGA sources said Warren has not yet signed a contract, but his role is expected to be finalized soon.