One of our alums is the reason the PGA Tour is recognized around the world, and now Tim Finchem, R’69, is being inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame for his numerous contributions to the sport.

During Finchem’s tenure as the PGA Tour commissioner from 1994 to 2016, the Tour became one of the most successful sports organizations in existence. He negotiated unprecedented television contracts, increased prize money by millions, broadened the roster of stars, and bolstered philanthropic initiatives like The First Tee, a youth development organization that provides educational programs through golf. Finchem became commissioner two years before Tiger Woods turned pro and guided the Tour through Wood’s rise to the top of the sport. Finchem also led the PGA Tour through the Great Recession, increasing sponsorships and prize money despite lean economic times.

“It is the greatest honor to be elected to join golf's most legendary players and contributors in the World Golf Hall of Fame," Finchem said in a release. “This is a truly humbling moment, for which I am most grateful. I am especially proud to stand alongside one of the world’s all-time greats, Tiger Woods, in the Class of 2021 and look forward to what will be an exciting year ahead.”

The PGA Tour is not the only organization Finchem has positively influenced— he also served on UR’s Board of Trustees. Last year, he received his second UR degree — an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters — to reflect his career highlights, including serving as deputy advisor to former President Jimmy Carter and his service to the University as a UR trustee emeritus.

“Tim Finchem’s long and impressive career reflects so many of the qualities that we strive to cultivate in our students,” UR President Ronald A. Crutcher said last summer, when the honorary degree was conferred. “He has been dedicated, collaborative, resourceful, innovative, and tireless in his service to the PGA and to the University. We are proud to count him among our most distinguished alumni.”

Finchem was elected through the contributor category and is the ninth administrator to be inducted to the World Golf Hall of Fame. Marion Hollins, one of the leading women in golf a century ago, also was elected as a contributor.