Speculation Begins On Next PGA Of America CEO...
/At least, amongst people and even some very important people.
While most golfers could care less who oversees the PGA of America, insiders on golf's business side of golf are eager to see what direction the organization goes after Pete Bevacqua resigned this week to work at NBC Sports.
In a very informative analysis of the Bevacqua era, Dave Shedloski at Golf World throws this out:
John Easterbrook, the PGA’s Chief Membership Officer, has been tapped to serve as interim CEO, a selection that raised a few eyebrows from observers in and out of the organization. It was thought that Darrell Crall, who has served as Chief Operating Officer since Bevacqua came on board in the fall of 2012, would be the logical choice. Crall, sources say, was runner-up behind Bevacqua among the six candidates interviewed for the CEO post when a retiring Joe Steranka vacated six year ago. However, Crall also is believed to be deep in the woods on the PGA’s prospective move to Texas, given his longtime role as executive director of the Northern Texas PGA Section prior to joining the PGA in 2011.
Both Easterbrook and Crall would have to be considered candidates to succeed Bevacqua. Past presidents Roger Warren and Jim Remy, who also interviewed for the post in the last search, might get another look.
“I’d be shocked if Darrell Crall isn’t hired into that position,” said one past PGA officer. Still another countered, “I don’t think that’s necessarily what we need.”
I would also suggest LPGA Commish Mike Whan seems ready for a new challenge and will likely be a name submitted by some. He already is well-versed in Five Family code, conduct and conformity, if nothing else.