By Catie George, Director, Communications & Storytelling
The PGA of America announced in 2018 plans to move its headquarters to Frisco. That move, valued at over $520 million, marks a significant investment in the Dallas Region. This first-of-its-kind “golf laboratory” opened in 2022, adding another well-renowned, major company to the region.
At the DRC’s Executive Circle event presented by KPMG and Capgemini on Wednesday, April 2, PGA of America’s new CEO, Derek Sprague, discussed how more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals are growing the game from their Frisco HQ – affectionately dubbed “Homequarters.”
Golf is growing in popularity with every category of player
During the pandemic, golf was one of the only activities in which people could participate. Since then, the game has only grown.
“[The pandemic is] where I think golf really took off, and we’re reaping those rewards today with the amount of retention that we’ve had in the game,” said Sprague, who is also a PGA of America Golf Professional and Past President of the Association. “All the different sectors or segments in the golf population have been booming. [Players that are] women and people of color have gone up exponentially in the last four or five years.”
PGA of America is focused on creating programs with purpose
While golf is naturally expanding, the PGA of America is focused on engaging non-traditional players in the game while giving back. For example, programs like PGA WORKS focuses on growing the next generation of players while benefiting the kids involved.
“Giving those kids opportunities, not only on courses, but off courses, is what PGA WORKS really stands for,” said Sprague. PGA WORKS is the strategic initiative committed to making golf look more like America through on-course and off-course opportunities.
“We have fellowships through PGA WORKS to give these people that haven’t had a break a chance in life, and that’s our way at PGA of America to give back.”
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a program that introduces and teaches golf to veterans and active-duty military.
“We started this in 2017, and it’s really giving back to the game,” said Sprague. “We’re saving lives with programs like PGA HOPE.”
The PGA of America’s relocation is more than just a headquarters
The PGA of America has already proved its value to the region in the short time its been in Frisco. Looking ahead, the impact will only grow.
“Having the PGA of America here is one of the jewels in our town. It’s not just because it’s a headquarters. You guys are an economic driver in this community now because of these tournaments,” said DRC President & CEO Dale Petroskey. “PGA of America is so much more than most of us realize, and most of it revolves around people.”
Capgemini and KPMG are the Executive Circle series presenting sponsors. Forvis Mazars was the event sponsor of this Executive Circle meeting, joined by NewsRadio 1080 KRLD as the DRC’s official media partner.
The DRC’s Executive Circle event series brings key decision-makers together with interesting subject-matter experts like Derek Sprague once a quarter. To attend a future Executive Circle event, connect with our membership team.