Ann Finke Inducted into Colorado Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2016
Ann has run the junior golf program at the resort for 30 years, teaching kids the art of golf
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. June 27, 2016 - The Colorado Golf Hall of Fame has inducted Ann Finke, director of golf instruction at the Country Club of Colorado at Cheyenne Mountain Resort, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property, into its Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2016. Recognized as the first female member of the Colorado PGA, Finke turned her passion into a distinguished career punctuated by accolades and awards for helping men, women and juniors advance their golf game. This summer, Finke returns to the resort's fairways to teach the Junior Golf Program, a daily summer camp that combines expert instruction with sportsmanship, fun and education.
Since 1985, Ann Finke has imparted her golf expertise and skills on both juniors and adults alike, estimating that roughly 16,000 of the more than 38,000 lessons she's given have been to juniors—one of whom, Tom Glissmeyer, qualified for the U.S. Open in 2003 at the age of 16. Her career includes a 12-year presidency of the Pikes Peak Junior Golf organization, another 12 years as the development coordinator for the Professional Golf Management Program at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and a 31-year golf leadership career at the Country Club of Colorado at Cheyenne Mountain Resort.
In 2009, Ms. Finke was named Colorado Section Junior Leader of the Year, earmarking the beginning of a distinguished lineup of awards. She earned the PGA Junior Golf Leader of the Year award in 2010 and was named Colorado Golf Hall of Fame “Person of the Year” in 2011. Last year, she was a PGA Noble Chalfant Inductee.
“Ann Finke is a gifted golfer and instructor that has dedicated her life to helping others learn and appreciate the game of golf,” said Jay Rocha, general manager at Cheyenne Mountain Resort. “She has had an amazing impact on youth in particular, by creating a safe, non-judgmental environment to learn and improve skills. She is the heart and soul of our golf program and we are excited to see her tireless efforts be recognized on a statewide level.”
In 1986, Finke created the Junior Golf Program at the Country Club of Colorado at Cheyenne Mountain Resort, which has evolved into one of the region's most comprehensive instruction programs. Catering to kids ages 8-15 of all skill levels, the program is dedicated to helping juniors develop a lifelong enthusiasm, respect and love for the game. The program delivers expert instruction in a safe environment with supervised use of the practice range and golf course. For program and enrollment information, call 719-538-4095 or visit www.ccofcolorado.com.
About Colorado Hall of Fame
The Colorado Hall of Fame was founded in 1973 to honor men and women who have made outstanding contributions to golf in Colorado and to assist in the research necessary to develop and maintain a history of Colorado golf. Visit our museum and induction display located at the Riverdale Golf Courses.
About Cheyenne Mountain Resort
Nestled in the shadows of Colorado's Rocky Mountains lies Cheyenne Mountain Resort, Colorado Springs' premier four season escape. The resort's 316 finely appointed guest rooms and suites featuring comfortable Rocky Mountain-inspired decor are arranged in eight residential lodges across the property. A vast array of amenities includes an 18-hole championship Pete Dye-designed golf course, five swimming pools, tennis courts, a health and fitness center, aquatics center and a 35-acre recreation lake. Known for its breathtaking mountain views, exceptional accommodations, fine dining, myriad of activities and comprehensive conference facilities, the AAA Four Diamond Cheyenne Mountain Resort offers the ultimate in Colorado vacationing. Now open, Alluvia Spa and Wellness Retreat at Cheyenne Mountain Resort combines indigenous elements with a pampering touch to deliver temporary refuge for the mind, body and soul.
About Benchmark Resorts & Hotels®
Benchmark Resorts & Hotels® represents the finest in lodging, dining, recreational and meeting accommodations. Many are certified by the IACC, the leading professional organization governing the multi-billion dollar conference center industry on five continents, and many have also been recognized with the coveted Benchmark Conference Centers® certification of meeting excellence. Benchmark Resorts & Hotels deliver highly specialized service that anticipates guests' needs and ensures a hospitality experience unsurpassed and long remembered. www.benchmarkresortsandhotels.com.
Contact:
Guadalupe Hirt
[email protected]
303.859.1762
Ken Ellens
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201-758-2864
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