In Memory of Dow Finsterwald

A plaque near The Broadmoor’s practice green pays tribute to Dow Finsterwald, the resort’s former PGA Director of Golf (1963-91), who passed away November 4, 2022, at age 93.

As recently as three years ago, Finsterwald was rolling putts near the plaque with the same smooth stroke that brought him the 1958 PGA Championship and 11 other PGA Tour victories. He’d also carded the first 61 on the PGA Tour, where he made 72 consecutive cuts. He compiled a 9-3-1 record in four Ryder Cups.

“Always working on the short game,” this visitor said to him.

“Every part of my game is short now,” came the reply with a laugh.

Finsterwald’s feats and winning personality made him the perfect successor to “Big Ed” Dudley, The Broadmoor’s legendary PGA Director of Golf who died of a heart attack in 1963. Finsterwald oversaw the opening of the second Robert Trent Jones-designed nine holes on the West course and the full 18-hole South Course designed by his close friend, Arnold Palmer. He helped bring two USGA championships to the resort and captained the winning 1977 U.S. Ryder Cup team.

Finsterwald split his retired years between homes in Colorado Springs and Orlando, where he lived near Palmer at Bay Hill. He strongly promoted the First Tee in Colorado and the Jensen Beach Hibiscus Children’s Center in Florida. He worked on the USGA’s Rules Committee, was inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame and helped design Pikewood National Golf Club, two hours from his hometown of Athens, Ohio.

In the months before he died, he’d regularly have lunch at The Broadmoor’s Grille, walking slowly down Heritage Hallway, past cases displaying shining mementos of a life spent doing what he loved.