He attended the University of Richmond on a debate scholarship, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969.

While at Richmond, Finchem was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Rho Chi chapter.

[4] After practicing law in Virginia Beach for three years, Finchem served in the White House during the administration of Jimmy Carter as Deputy Advisor to the President in the Office of Economic Affairs in 1978 and 1979.

Finchem had previously served as Vice President of Business Affairs, Deputy Commissioner, and Chief Operating Officer of the Tour.

That remarkable growth has a lot to do with Tiger Woods, but Finchem's supporters also give him some of the credit.