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Finchem Will Head PGA Tour

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From Associated Press

Tim Finchem was selected Monday to succeed Deane Beman as the commissioner of the PGA Tour.

Finchem, 47, is deputy commissioner and chief operating officer of the tour. He will assume duties as the tour’s third commissioner on June 1. The late Joe Dey was the first commissioner, from 1969 to 1974.

Finchem was elected unanimously during a meeting of the tour’s Tournament Policy Board, board chairman Richard J. Ferris said.

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“Tim has been involved in every aspect of tour operations and his expertise will ensure that there will be a smooth transition and a continuation of the success we have enjoyed under Deane,” Ferris said.

Beman, 56, announced March 1 that he would not seek another term as commissioner, a position he has held for 20 years. He said his immediate plans are to play some competitive golf on the Senior PGA Tour and to be involved in golf course design.

“Deane is leaving the tour in excellent shape,” Finchem said. “The tour is successful financially and competitively. We look forward to building on that solid foundation.”

Finchem, a graduate of the Virginia law school, was a partner in a Virginia Beach, Va., law firm and was deputy adviser to President Carter for economic affairs in 1978-79. He was national staff director of Carter’s presidential campaign in 1980.

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