Tim Finchem

Hometown

Ottawa

Illinois

Year Inducted

2022

Inducted Category

Contributor

Birthdate

Apr 19,1947

Accomplishments:

Created Presidents Cup in 1994
Introduced FedExCup
Established the First Tee in 1997
PGA TOUR and its tournaments raised over $2 billion for charitable organizations during
his tenure
Spearheaded efforts to coordinate the bid for golf’s return to the Olympics in 2016 Games

Honors and Awards:

Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s Old Tom Morris Award
American Society of Golf Course Architects Donald Ross Award
PGA of America Distinguished Service Award
Dick Schaap Lifetime Achievement in Sports Award
Metropolitan Golf Writers Association Gold Tee Award
PGA TOUR Champions Tournament Advisory Council Bruno Award
KPMG Lifetime Achievement Award
National Golf Course Owners Association Award of Merit
National Golf Foundation Graffis Award
Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters (University of Richmond)

Under Finchem’s leadership as Commissioner (1994-2016), he worked to ensure that giving back was part of the fabric of the PGA TOUR’s business model – as evidenced by the TOUR and its tournaments raising more than $2 billion in charitable contributions during his tenure.

He also was instrumental in founding the First Tee in 1997. Since inception, Finchem has helped the First Tee grow and develop into the positive youth development organization it is today, having reached more than 15 million young people on golf courses, in schools and through after-school programs.

Finchem also led the creation and execution efforts around signature pillars in professional golf, including the FedExCup, FedExCup Playoffs and the Presidents Cup. During his 22 years as Commissioner, PGA TOUR prize money also grew from less than $100 million on three tours in 1994 to more than $400 million on six tours at the time of his retirement.

“It is the greatest honor to be elected to join golf’s most legendary players and contributors in the World Golf Hall of Fame. This is a truly humbling moment, for which I am most grateful, and I look forward to celebrating with my family and friends throughout the game of golf and the many people who made this possible for me. I am especially proud to stand alongside one of the world’s all-time greats, Tiger Woods, in the Class of 2022 and look forward to what will be an exciting year ahead.” -Tim Finchem

Finchem’s impact expanded far beyond the PGA TOUR, as he left his mark on the global game. He spearheaded efforts to coordinate the bid for golf’s return to the Olympics, which became a reality in the 2016 after a 112-year absence.

Fact

Finchem, a 1969 graduate of the University of Richmond, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the school in 2019.