Geezers Rejoice: Tim Finchem Gets Extension Through 2016

Note the Commissioner's age is left out of the release, but this will take him through to his 69th birthday. Pretty amazing run it'll be, especially for a guy who has traditionally shown folks the door when they reach retirement ages of 60 and 65!

For Immediate Release, and brace yourself for the grow word:

PGA TOUR POLICY BOARD ANNOUNCES CONTRACT EXTENSION

FOR COMMISSIONER TIM FINCHEM

Four-year Extension Runs Through June 2016

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – The PGA TOUR Policy Board announced today the employment contract of Commissioner Tim Finchem has been extended through June 2016.

“Under Tim’s leadership, and that of his Executive Team, the PGA TOUR has achieved many very significant accomplishments,” said Victor Ganzi, Chairman of the PGA TOUR Policy Board. “Tim has positioned the TOUR for continued growth in areas such as player prize money, charity, sponsor value and growing the game around the world, and we are fortunate that he has agreed to continue as Commissioner for another four years.”

“We have accomplished a lot, but there remains a great opportunity to continue to grow over the next four years,” said Commissioner Finchem. “It is an honor to work in such a wonderful sport with the world’s best athletes and a terrific management team. I look forward to continuing to work closely with them in the future.”

“I have been fortunate, as a member of the PGA TOUR Policy Board, to see firsthand Commissioner Finchem’s passion for the PGA TOUR and the game of golf as a whole,” said PGA TOUR player Steve Stricker. “The announcement that Tim will continue on for the next four years is great news for the PGA TOUR and its players, tournaments and partners.”

Finchem became the third Commissioner of the PGA TOUR in June 1994 and has overseen a period of tremendous growth for the organization. During his tenure, earnings opportunities for PGA TOUR members have increased substantially and charitable donations made by the PGA TOUR and its tournaments have surpassed $1.1 billion, bringing the all-time total to more than $1.7 billion.

Finchem, who followed Joe Dey and Deane Beman as Commissioner, has been instrumental in the development of a number of key events including The Presidents Cup, World Golf Championships, the FedExCup and the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup.

His impact in growing the game has been seen in his leadership role in the formation of the World Golf Foundation and The First Tee. Finchem currently serves as the co-chair of The First Tee Campaign for 10 Million Young People and is chairman of The First Tee Board of Directors.

And get ready for four years of focusing on The First Tee!