After facing global backlash from fans and communities for supporting the behavior of American spectators at the 2025 Ryder Cup—where Rory McIlroy, his wife (Erica), and other golfers were heckled—he initially dismissed the criticism with a “not bothered” post on LinkedIn. However, his stance shifted quickly, and within a week, he issued an apology to the team. Don Rea, the man at the center of the controversy, is the 44th President of the PGA of America, elected in late 2024. A PGA Master Professional with more than two decades of membership
Don Rea’s Golf Career
Early Career and Rise Through the PGA
Don Rea became a PGA of America member in 2001 and quickly established himself as a dedicated professional focused on growing the game at the grassroots level. He owned and operated the Augusta Ranch Golf Club in Mesa, Arizona, where he gained recognition for his leadership and ability to innovate at a public golf facility. His early contributions included serving on the Southwest PGA Assistant and Southwest PGA Board of Directors, as well as on the Arizona Tourism Alliance and the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) Board of Directors. He also chaired committees such as the Junior Golf Committee and the Community Golf Committee, helping to promote inclusivity and player development.
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Leadership Roles in the PGA of America
Rea’s leadership trajectory accelerated when he became District 14 Director from 2016 to 2019. In 2020, he ran for Secretary of the PGA of America and was elected, serving from October 2020 to November 2022. He then advanced to Vice President, a role he held until November 2024. Each position gave him greater responsibility in shaping policies, overseeing member engagement, and driving initiatives such as PGA HOPE and programs for grassroots golf growth.
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PGA Presidency
In November 2024, Don Rea was elected as the 44th President of the PGA of America. In this role, he continues to champion the mission of serving members and growing the game, while representing over 29,000 PGA professionals worldwide. His long-standing commitment to both community-level golf and national leadership reflects his philosophy of balancing grassroots development with the broader vision of advancing the sport on a global stage.
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