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PGA of America Reassigns Don Rea Jr. as Nathan Charnes Takes PGA Tour Board Seat

The move marks an unusual mid-term shift from the tradition of the president serving on Tour boards following backlash over Ryder Cup fan conduct.

Overview

  • The PGA of America says Don Rea Jr.’s responsibilities are now focused on member-first priorities for the remainder of his term, which runs through November 2026.
  • The PGA Tour confirmed Rea has not served on the PGA Tour Inc. or PGA Tour Enterprises boards since November 2025.
  • Vice president Nathan Charnes has assumed the Tour board role and has increasingly served as the association’s public representative in recent announcements.
  • Reporters describe the mid-term change as unprecedented given the association’s long-standing representation on Tour boards dating to the 1968 split.
  • Rea drew criticism for his initial response to hostile fan behavior at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black and later issued a written apology to members.