University of Virginia Law School, 1973
University of Richmond, Bachelor of Arts degree
Princess Anne High School, Virginia Beach, Va.
Finchem entered sports management with a background in law and politics.
Finchem, who earned a scholarship in debate to the University of Richmond, graduated from law school in 1973. After practicing law in Virginia Beach for three years, Finchem served in the White House as Deputy Advisor to the President in the Office of Economic Affairs in 1978 and ’79. In the early 1980s, Finchem co-founded the National Marketing and Strategies Group in Washington, D.C.
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America's Old Tom Morris Award, 2001
PGA of America's Distinguished Service Award, 2002.
Finchem is the third commissioner of the PGA TOUR. He succeeded Deane Beman as Commissioner on June 1, 1994. Beman had served for 20 years, replacing the late Joseph Dey, who had been commissioner in the tour’s first five years, 1969-74.
Finchem served as deputy commissioner and chief operating officer of the tour under Beman from 1989-94. He joined the PGA staff as vice president of business affairs in 1987.
As commissioner, Finchem has expanded earnings opportunities for PGA players domestically and internationally. He has taken leadership roles in the formation of the International Federation of PGA Tours and the World Golf Foundation. His personal dedication to the success of the World Golf Foundation's First Tee initiative has helped that program achieve its initial objectives in developing facilities that will have an impact on the game for years to come.
