Columnist Peter Benson: Finchem honored for service on PGA Tour

Peter Benson

Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002 | 9:25 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

Tim Finchem, whose five-year term as PGA Tour Commissioner has featured a marked acceleration in golf's growth, received the 2002 PGA of America Distinguished Service Award during last week's PGA Championship.

The award, inaugurated in 1988, honors individuals whose love, enthusiasm and passion for the game have resulted in a universal impact on the life and livelihood of the PGA professional, and whose humanitarian qualities and integrity have assisted in perpetuating the values and ideals of PGA of America.

"Receiving this distinguished award, the PGA's highest, is very humbling, and to join the prestigious list of honorees is indeed overwhelming," Finchem said. "I have the greatest respect for PGA professionals, and to be so recognized by their association is very special to me, and an honor I will always remember and cherish."

Previous recipients include Herb Graffis (1988), Bob Hope (1989), former President Gerald Ford (1991), Gene Sarazen (1992), Byron Nelson (1993), Arnold Palmer (1994), Patty Berg (1995), Frank Chirkinian (1996), former President George Bush (1997), Paul Runyan (1998), Bill Dickey (1999), Jack Nicklaus (2000) and Mark McCormack (2001).

Kevin Shambarger won first flight low gross with 74. followed by Hugh Jeffries at 76 and Jim Treanor at 79. Low net went to Denny Mayes in a playoff over Tony Ermis after both men came in with 71s. Kevin Keagan placed third at 72.

Al Shirley's 87 took low gross honors in the second flight followed by Steve Battles, also at 87, and Bob Schindler at 88. Low net went to Mike Welding and his 70 with Mike Pelegrino second at 71 and Don Simon third, also at 71.

Jerry Mercer was third flight low gross winner with a 97. Matt Farmer and Bob Lawson placed second and third, respectively, with 98s. Louis Brown took low net with 71, followed by Jeff Craig with 72 and Don Myers with 74.