Tim Finchem Comments on Future as PGA Tour Commissioner

PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem signed a one-year contract extension that runs through June 2017, but he doesn't expect to be in that position beyond this year.

On Sunday, Finchem announced he will likely step down at the end of the season rather than working through the extension, per Geoff Shackelford of Golf Digest.

“The length of the contract is really a placeholder,” Finchem said. “I wouldn’t anticipate staying that long. My plan would be—and that assumes I can make progress on my projects—to step aside at the end of this year.”

Finchem, who has held the title of commissioner since 1994, has been instrumental in making the PGA Tour a marketable organization. He created the World Golf Championships as well as the FedEx Cup. Finchem is also responsible for the PGA Tour's television contracts with CBS and NBC, both of which do not expire until 2021, per the Associated Press (via USA Today).

"For every organization, there is a time," Finchem said, per Kyle Porter of CBS Sports. "I could probably go on another five or six years. But I don't think that is best for the organization. I don't consider myself old. But I'm getting old."

PGA Tour Deputy Commissioner Jay Monahan will take over the role once Finchem steps down. Finchem noted the changing of the guard will be good timing for the PGA Tour, as the 43-year-old Monahan will be taking over at a time when Adam Silver and Rob Manfred have brought new perspectives to the NBA and Major League Baseball, respectively.

"Jay is ready," Finchem said, per Shackelford.

With Finchem staying on through at least the end of the season, Monahan has time to get accustomed to the position and develop a plan for the PGA Tour going forward. He will have some big shoes to fill, however.