Finchem Named 2014 World Golf Foundation Chair


PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem has been named chairman of the World Golf Foundation's board of directors for 2014. Finchem succeeds Mike Whan, LPGA Tour commissioner, who served as the 2013 board chairman.

Finchem began his 20th year as commissioner of the PGA Tour in June 2013. From the time he joined the Tour management team, Finchem has played a key role in strengthening the PGA Tour's position as one of the most successful sports organizations in the world.

Finchem has also been instrumental in the formation of the World Golf Foundation. His personal dedication to the success of the World Golf Foundation's First Tee initiative has meant that, in just 15 years, it has grown to include close to 200 chapters that have reached more than 7.6 million young people.

"It is an honor to be selected as chairman and I'm looking forward to working closely with our game's leaders to address issues of global importance," said Finchem. "Golf has never been healthier worldwide and it is our responsibility to ensure its continued vitality."

"Tim's long-time leadership in the golf industry will be critical as we focus on enhancing the growth of the game worldwide," said Steve Mona, chief executive officer of the World Golf Foundation. "He has an outstanding record of achievement and we look forward to his leadership in 2014."

In addition to Finchem and Whan, the other WGF board members are Pete Bevacqua, CEO of the PGA of America; Mike Davis, executive director of the United States Golf Association; Peter Dawson, chief executive of the R&A; Will Jones, executive director of the Masters Tournament Foundation and George O'Grady, chief executive of the PGA European Tour. Chris Normyle, manager, Sponsorships and Events of the Shell Oil Company, also serves on the WGF board as a representative of the WGF's founding partner.

About the World Golf Foundation

The World Golf Foundation (WGF) is a nonprofit organization that develops and supports initiatives that positively impact lives through the game of golf and its traditional values. The Foundation, which was founded in 1993 and is supported by major international golf organizations and professional Tours, provides oversight to World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum, The First Tee, GOLF 20/20 and other industry initiatives in support of its mission. As sole founding partner of the World Golf Foundation, Shell Oil Company provides financial support and plays a lead role in charitable initiatives aimed at introducing golf to young people, and through the golf experience promotes scholastic achievement, community service and those values intrinsic to the game of golf: honesty, integrity and sportsmanship.

For more information about the WGF, visit www.worldgolffoundation.org.