Overview
- The PGA of America announced Tuesday that Don Rea has been removed as its volunteer president effective immediately and that vice president Nathan Charnes will serve as acting president.
- The board said it had suspended Rea for the remainder of his term, which runs through November, and expressed appreciation for his prior service while calling the move necessary to ensure the association can meet its governance duties.
- Rea’s ouster traces to fallout from the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, where his remarks comparing jeers at European players to a “youth soccer game,” an awkward trophy-ceremony comment, a delayed apology, and a defensive LinkedIn post drew sustained criticism.
- The organization emphasized the action affects volunteer board leadership rather than daily executive operations, with CEO Terry Clark — appointed in March — and championships staff continuing to run events and championships.
- The timing heightens member scrutiny ahead of November officer elections and arrives as golf faces broader questions about LIV Golf funding and player movement, making governance, reputational repair, and transparency items to watch next.