LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Derek Sprague upon the occasion of
his election as President of the Professional Golf Association of Ameri-
ca

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community and their profession; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Derek Sprague upon the occasion of his election as President of the
Professional Golf Association of America on November 22, 2014; and
WHEREAS, A native of Malone, New York, Derek Sprague competed on the
golf team at James Madison University where he earned a Bachelor's of
Business Administration degree in Marketing in 1988; and
WHEREAS, Derek Sprague turned professional in 1989, and began his
career at the Malone Golf Club; he was elected to Professional Golf
Association (PGA) membership in 1993; and
WHEREAS, In 1998, Derek Sprague began his service with the Northeast-
ern New York PGA Board of Directors, serving as Section President from
2003-2004, and as a member of the employment committee from 1995-2001;
and
WHEREAS, This esteemed man provided outstanding service to the
national golf community as both PGA of America Secretary and PGA Vice
President, prior to his appointment as Interim President in October of
2014; and
WHEREAS, As PGA President, Derek Sprague's tenure will coincide with
the organization's 100th Anniversary, the re-introduction of golf to the
Olympics, and the 2016 Ryder Cup, to be held at Hazeltine National Golf
Club in Chaska, Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, Derek Sprague has been the recipient of numerous awards and
honors including both the 2005 and 2008 Northeastern New York PGA Golf
Professional of the Year; he is also a four-time Section Bill Straus-
baugh Award recipient, a two-time Section Merchandiser of the Year for
Public Facilities, and the winner of the 2006 Section President's Plaque
for Outstanding Contributions to Player Development; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Jennifer, and their
two children, Alexandra and Davis, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Derek Sprague upon the occasion of his election as Presi-
dent of the Professional Golf Association of America; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Derek Sprague.