COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Ann Finke, the Director of Golf Instruction at The Country Club of Colorado at Cheyenne Mountain Resort, has made history by achieving a dramatic milestone: On August 5, 2008, she became the first woman in the history of Colorado golf to serve for 25 years as a member of the Professional Golfers Association of America.
In achieving the Colorado landmark, Ms. Finke also joined a very prestigious and select national group: She is only the 10th woman in the history of the PGA of America to have been a member for a quarter of a century.
"We are extraordinarily proud of Ann who has demonstrated over the years that she is truly a consummate golf professional," said Matt Cohen, Head Golf Professional, The Country Club of Colorado. "Ann is recognized statewide and throughout the Rocky Mountain region as both a top-notch instructor and a special person, by her peers and students alike. The Country Club of Colorado and those who have benefited from her immense talent as a golf instructor have been very fortunate indeed."
Born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to a family of avid golfers, Ms. Finke was taught to play at an early age by her grandmother and went on to earn a golf scholarship – becoming the first girl at her high school to receive an athletic scholarship. She played college golf at both the University of New Mexico and the University of Nebraska. In 1979, she made the decision to join the PGA of America while working at her home club in Scottsbluff and, after four years as an apprentice, became a full PGA member on August 5, 1983. After spending four years as a golf pro at Riverside Golf Club in Grand Island, Nebraska, in 1985 she joined The Country Club of Colorado. Once in Colorado, she worked for the club's noted Head Professional at the time, Bill Majure, who was later inducted into the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame, and began to develop her love for golf instruction.
Ms. Finke has impacted the games of many talented players over the years, including current University of Southern California golfer Tom Glissmeyer, who in 2003 became the youngest player ever to qualify for a United States Open at the age of 16. "It was truly my love for kids and the enjoyment that I get working with children that provided the motivation to pursue teaching golf on a full-time basis," said Ms. Finke.
Set on 217 lush acres, Cheyenne Mountain Resort captures the rugged charm of the Rockies with design elements of native moss rock, massive beams, rough-sawn siding and cedar shakes. The resort features 316 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, each with a private balcony with mountain and golf course views; 40,000 square feet of meeting and event space; an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Pete Dye; five swimming pools; 18 tennis courts, squash and racquetball courts as well as a pro shop; Health & Fitness Center; Aquatics Center, and a 35-acre recreation lake where guests enjoy sailboards, canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, volleyball on a sand beach, and catch-and-release fly fishing. For more information call 719-538-4000 or toll-free 800-428-8886, or visit www.cheyennemountain.com.
Cheyenne Mountain Resort is managed by Benchmark Hospitality International, a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels™. The privately held company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers. Benchmark is a worldwide organization operating over 30 properties representing major metropolitan and resort destinations. Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston, with regional offices in New Jersey and Connecticut. International offices are located in Tokyo and Santiago, Chile. For locations of properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.
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