Overview
- The PGA Board suspended Don Rea for the remainder of his presidential term and immediately elevated Vice President Nathan Charnes to Acting President, a change announced late Friday, May 22, 2026.
- The Board said the decision followed “a series of issues over time” that, taken together, were determined to be detrimental to the Association.
- Rea’s fallout traces to the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, where his on-the-record comments downplaying abusive fan behavior, an awkward trophy-ceremony remark, and a widely circulated karaoke video drew sustained backlash.
- Before this suspension, Rea had been reassigned from some PGA roles and removed from the PGA Tour Inc. board last November, and the PGA says the change affects only volunteer board leadership, not day-to-day executive operations.
- Members and fans reacted quickly online and in private statements, with many praising the move but others criticizing the timing and seeking clearer communication as the Association prepares for officer elections in November.