PGA of America President Removed From PGA Tour Board Months After Ryder Cup Controversy
August 1, 2025, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA: PGA, Golf Herren of America President DON REA speaks following the final day of the PGA Junior Championships on August 1, 2025, at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in West Lafayette, Ind. West Lafayette USA - ZUMAw145 20250801_zsp_w145_020 Copyright: xDavidxWegielx
August 1, 2025, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA: PGA, Golf Herren of America President DON REA speaks following the final day of the PGA Junior Championships on August 1, 2025, at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in West Lafayette, Ind. West Lafayette USA - ZUMAw145 20250801_zsp_w145_020 Copyright: xDavidxWegielx
Has PGA of America President Don Rea Jr. been removed from office following his involvement during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black?
“As has been observed, PGA of America President Don Rea’s responsibilities are now aligned to member-first priorities for the remainder of his term,” the PGA said in a statement on the 19th of February.
The statement came as the organization confirmed that Rea Jr., whose term as president continues through the end of the year, was removed from the PGA Tour Inc. board in November 2025.
Following the decision, Nathan Charnes, the PGA vice president and successor to the presidency, replaced him on the board.
Photo illustrations in India - 7 Jul 2025 In this photo illustration, a PGA Tour logo is seen displayed on a smartphone and in the background. India Copyright: xAvishekxDasx/xSOPAxImagesx avdtnmyjuly25lot3m
Photo illustrations in India - 7 Jul 2025 In this photo illustration, a PGA Tour logo is seen displayed on a smartphone and in the background. India Copyright: xAvishekxDasx/xSOPAxImagesx avdtnmyjuly25lot3m
This happened one month after his response to the Ryder Cup crowds at Bethpage Black. Rea, a member of the Southwest PGA section and owner of Augusta Ranch Golf Club in Arizona, drew attention for his response during the Ryder Cup last year.
The event saw European players heckled by spectators, Rory McIlroy’s wife struck by a thrown drink, and a PGA-hired emcee heard shouting, “F*** you, Rory!” on the first tee.
In response to the heckling incident, Rea described the behavior as part of the environment in sports, saying, “You’ve got 50,000 people here that are really excited, and heck, you could go to a youth soccer game and get some people who say the wrong things,” he said.
Rea addressed the criticism in a LinkedIn post the next day, where he acknowledged the reaction but said he was not personally affected. “I’m personally taking some criticism right now, and that comes with the role… I am not bothered,” he wrote.
As his term as the 44th PGA of America President nears its end and leadership prepares to transition, attention now turns to the role Rea will take on next.
PGA of America President Don Rea Jr.'s New Role
Don Rea Jr. will take on a role centered on board leadership and governance after stepping off the PGA Tour Inc. board, the PGA said in a statement Thursday.
In this position, he will work with sections and support initiatives involving PGA of America Golf Professionals and the Association’s structure.
The organization added that, with the CEO transition complete and a new president set to take office in the fall, the move is part of its leadership transition process.
Read more at Daily Club Golf!
Written by
Aditi Singh
Edited by
Oajaswini Prabhu