Latest news with #DerekSprague
NBC Sports
18-06-2025
- Business
- NBC Sports
KPMG Women's PGA ups purse by $1.6 million, matching largest on LPGA
PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague and KPMG CEO Paul Knopp join Golf Central to explain why it 'was the right time' to increase the KPMG Women's PGA Championship purse to a record-tying $12 million. The KPMG Women's PGA is now on equal terms with the U.S. Women's Open when it comes to prize money. KPMG announced Tuesday its total purse is now $12 million, up from $10.4 million a year ago. KPMG took over as title sponsor in 2015 when the PGA of America became partners with the LPGA in the major championship that dates to 1955. More than money, the company has provided players with data to improve their games called 'KPMG Performance Insights,' which operates on a smaller scale of the ShotLink data on the PGA Tour. Golf Channel Staff, For the Women's PGA, which starts Thursday at the Fields Ranch East at PGA of America headquarters near Dallas, KPMG is adding AI-enhanced features like hole-by-hole analysis delivered to players after each round. Another feature is AI-generated scoring targets, particularly the cut, giving players an idea if they're safe or need to make a move. 'The high purse, top courses, comprehensive broadcast coverage, and technology are all ways we are setting the standard,' said Paul Knopp, the U.S. chairman and CEO of KPMG.
NBC Sports
17-06-2025
- Business
- NBC Sports
KPMG CEO explains record-tying KPMG Women's purse
PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague and KPMG CEO Paul Knopp join Golf Central to explain why it 'was the right time' to increase the KPMG Women's PGA Championship purse to a record-tying $12 million.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PGA Ducks Tariff Discussion With U.S. Government
The PGA of America is focused on the game beyond Tour-level golf, but on the 31,000 golf professionals who are its members. Much like the postman, who is focused on delivering the mail, the PGA professional is a hardworking individual who supports the game at the grassroots level and manages the business of the golf course and shop. Advertisement As you listen to President Don Rea and CEO of the PGA of America, Derek Sprague, membership in the PGA of America is almost like a religious calling. However, on Tuesday, when both Rea and Sprague appeared before the media, it became apparent that the PGA of America, as an organization, has a selective approach to addressing some issues at the grassroots level, or, as some would say, a halfhearted stance. A PGA of America flag during a practice round for the PGA Championship golf tournament at Valhalla Golf Club. Aaron Doster-Imagn Images With most equipment for the game, including clubheads, golf bags, golf apparel, and golf towels, being manufactured primarily in Asia, where Trump tariffs vary depending on whether it's China or Vietnam, it's logical that the PGA would take a stance for the benefit of its members. Advertisement Instead, they chose to duck the issue entirely when asked about their position on the tax on consumers. 'I'd say we have no official stance on tariffs, but we did hear that loudly and clearly at the Masters,' Sprague said of tariff issue. 'That's when sort of all of the news broke, and a lot of the manufacturers were coming up to us and saying that's going to impact the consumers because, one, there may be supply chain issues, there's going to be increase in costs and whatnot.' Rea took the unusual position of stating that, although many of their golf professionals own their shops, the PGA does not get involved in legislation. Tariffs are not legislation, but rather a tax imposed on imports by the executive branch, specifically the president. Advertisement Now, for the PGA of America to suggest they are not involved in the legislative process, they would then need to explain their participation in National Golf Day, where many in the golf industry are engaged in a major lobbying effort, as the industry met with legislative leaders to pitch golf and its benefits. Team USA captain Davis Love III is presented the Ryder Cup by PGA of America president Derek Sprague during the closing ceremonies after the singles matches in the 41st Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Rob Schumacher-Imagn Images The PGA of America also has a representative on the Executive Leadership Committee of the American Industry Golf Coalition, which is responsible for organizing National Golf Day. This event, now in its 17th annual visit to the Hill, took place in late April. Instead of having a position on tariffs for its members, Rea took the unusual step of suggesting that the best answer is to pivot. Advertisement 'We just pivot and make the best of it,' Rea said of tariffs. 'That's what PGA professionals have been doing for a hundred years.' So, leave it up to happenstance that the 31,000 PGA professionals and 28 million golfers will pivot and make a tariff of between ten and 30 percent work for them. At the same time, the PGA hierarchy was stumbling through the tariff answer; they were on their hind legs, chomping at the bit to explain their view on the equipment rollback. The PGA of America is vehemently opposed to the idea of a rollback proposal floated by the R&A and USGA, which would effectively reduce the ball's distance by roughly ten percent. Advertisement The PGA Tour is against any rollback, and the PGA of America is in lockstep with the Tour. 'We're really concerned about the 28 million golfers in this country, and since I took that stance back in January, a number of people have reached out, a number of amateur golfers, recreational golfers have reached out and have the same concerns that we do,' Sprague said. 'They're thanking us for pushing this issue to make sure it's well thought out, and if we can hit the pause button or change it altogether, that's our goal.' To understand this clearly, push back on the R&A and USGA regarding an equipment rollback as an imperative to support the 28 million golfers in the U.S. However, does the concern for members and golfers end at the doorstep of tariffs? The best efforts toward tariffs instead come in the form of phone calls by the PGA to effectively commiserate with manufacturers but not to lobby. Advertisement 'You might not see it in a press release, but we call Titleist, we call TaylorMade, we call Acushnet and Srixon, we call them all and say how you are doing and what's this impact going to be on our golf professionals?' Rea said. 'What can we do to help? That's what we've always been about.' Yet, when asked about what assistance the PGA could provide, the answer was sophomoric at best. 'I think educating our golf professionals, which we do on a daily basis, talking to the manufacturers, after that, we have to encourage them to state their case,' Rea said. So, in one scenario, the ball rollback, the PGA is willing to state their case, but in regard to tariffs, they ask others to do the heavy lifting. Advertisement As golfers spend more money on their golf shirts and golf professionals lose sales due to increased costs on their products, remember the assistance the PGA of America provided to address tariffs. Nothing. Related: Tiger Needs to Join Jordan Related: After Six Years of 'Hell,' Chris Wood Finds His Game in Turkey
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Golf ball ‘rollback' up in air with PGA of America ‘vehemently against' plans
With golf still trying to extricate itself from one civil war, another looms on the horizon. The PGA of America has reiterated its stance against the rollback of the golf ball, with its chief executive stating the organisation is 'vehemently against' plans put forward by the sport's rule-makers. The R&A and USGA announced in late 2023 that all professionals will be required to use a modified golf ball from 2028. The changes would apply to amateurs from 2030. It has long been the view of many that hitting distances for leading players have become problematic, an issue that renders many traditional courses obsolete in elite competition. Related: Can watching sport really improve your wellbeing? The science suggests it can | Sean Ingle There is, however, an opposing view. The PGA Tour has never supported the rollback plan. The PGA of America, a close ally of the PGA Tour, is in the same camp. While the European Tour Group has never formally expressed a view, it is likely it would stand alongside the PGA Tour. Equipment manufacturers have been firm in their opposition to the proposals. 'There's no change in our stance,' said Derek Sprague, the PGA of America's chief executive. 'We're certainly vehemently against the ball rollback. We've had great conversations with the governing bodies. We've had several constructive and collaborative meetings probably a number of times, three, four times. I feel really good about where we are with them and we're going to continue to collaborate on the proposed rollbacks.' Golf's various organisations held talks on the subject at the Players Championship in March. The PGA of America was among those asking for a delay in the rollback so research numbers can be reassessed. Modifying drivers rather than golf balls is also an area that may be explored. 'They're clear where I stand, where we stand for sure,' Sprague said. 'I talk really almost monthly now with the governing bodies and we're working to really take a deep dive on the rollback and make sure it's the right thing. 'We're really concerned about the 28 million golfers in this country. A number of people have reached out, a number of amateur golfers, recreational golfers have reached out and have the same concerns that we do. They're thanking us for pushing this issue to make sure it's well thought out, and if we can hit the pause button or change it altogether, that's our goal.' Golf could do without another high‑profile dispute. The Saudi‑backed LIV tour has created a schism in the men's professional game. The R&A and USGA may agree to a new timetable to keep the peace. Martin Slumbers, a key proponent of the rollback, is no longer chief executive of the R&A. 'We're representing the 31,000 [professional golfers] that talk to the 28.1 million,' said Don Rea, the PGA of America president. 'Now, whatever happens to this collaborative approach, it's going to happen over the next six to eight years. I don't know what's going to happen, but I assure you, when this is all done, we're going to stand arm in arm and say this is the decision, and this is where we're moving forward. It might change from what it is now. I don't know yet. 'I don't want to damage the future discussions. The relationships now are stronger than they've ever been. Let's see what happens but what I like is the spirit of the conversation now. No one's telling us. We're talking together. People are now listening, not to respond; they're listening to learn. And I think that's the most encouraging aspect of all the discussions are going right now. So we'll see what happens.' At the PGA of America's immediate responsibility, the US PGA Championship, grounds at Quail Hollow emptied on Tuesday because of a storm. More than three inches of rain have fallen since Friday at the Charlotte venue. Rory McIlroy, the Masters champion, will begin his campaign on Thursday at 1.22pm BST in a group alongside the world No 1, Scottie Scheffler, and the defending champion, Xander Schauffele. The three-time winner Brooks Koepka joins Shane Lowry and Rickie Fowler, while Jordan Spieth is in a group with Patrick Reed and Ludvig Åberg.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Golf ball ‘rollback' up in air with PGA of America ‘vehemently against' plans
With golf still trying to extricate itself from one civil war, another looms on the horizon. The PGA of America has reiterated its stance against the rollback of the golf ball, with its chief executive stating the organisation is 'vehemently against' plans put forward by the sport's rule-makers. Related: Can watching sport really improve your wellbeing? The science suggests it can | Sean Ingle Advertisement The R&A and USGA announced in late 2023 that all professionals will be required to use a modified golf ball from 2028. The changes would apply to amateurs from 2030. It has long been the view of many that hitting distances for leading players have become problematic, an issue that renders many traditional courses obsolete in elite competition. There is, however, an opposing view. The PGA Tour has never supported the rollback plan. The PGA of America, a close ally of the PGA Tour, is in the same camp. While the European Tour Group has never formally expressed a view, it is likely it would stand alongside the PGA Tour. Equipment manufacturers have been firm in their opposition to the proposals. 'There's no change in our stance,' said Derek Sprague, the PGA of America's chief executive. 'We're certainly vehemently against the ball rollback. We've had great conversations with the governing bodies. We've had several constructive and collaborative meetings probably a number of times, three, four times. I feel really good about where we are with them and we're going to continue to collaborate on the proposed rollbacks.' Golf's various organisations held talks on the subject at the Players Championship in March. The PGA of America was among those asking for a delay in the rollback so research numbers can be reassessed. Modifying drivers rather than golf balls is also an area that may be explored. Advertisement 'They're clear where I stand, where we stand for sure,' Sprague added. 'I talk really almost monthly now with the governing bodies and we're working to really take a deep dive on the rollback and make sure it's the right thing. 'We're really concerned about the 28 million golfers in this country. A number of people have reached out, a number of amateur golfers, recreational golfers have reached out and have the same concerns that we do. They're thanking us for pushing this issue to make sure it's well thought out, and if we can hit the pause button or change it altogether, that's our goal.' Golf could do without another high-profile dispute. The Saudi-backed LIV tour has created a schism in the men's professional game. The R&A and USGA may agree to a new timetable to keep the peace. Martin Slumbers, a key proponent of the rollback, is no longer chief executive of the R&A. 'We're representing the 31,000 [professional golfers] that talk to the 28.1 million,' said Don Rea, the PGA of America president. 'Now, whatever happens to this collaborative approach, it's going to happen over the next six to eight years. I don't know what's going to happen, but I assure you, when this is all done, we're going to stand arm in arm and say this is the decision, and this is where we're moving forward. It might change from what it is now. I don't know yet. Advertisement 'I don't want to damage the future discussions. The relationships now are stronger than they've ever been. Let's see what happens but what I like is the spirit of the conversation now. No one's telling us. We're talking together. People are now listening, not to respond; they're listening to learn. And I think that's the most encouraging aspect of all the discussions are going right now. So we'll see what happens.' The PGA of America's immediate responsibility, the US PGA Championship, saw grounds at Quail Hollow emptied on Tuesday due to a storm. More than three inches of rain have fallen since Friday at the Charlotte venue.
