To do so, you need to hire excellence in all positions. Desert Mountain Golf Club in Scottsdale, has that in Le Ann Finger who now holds a premier leadership position on the national level.
Finger, Assistant Head Golf Pro at Renegade Golf Course, recently made history as the first woman elected President of the Southwest Section of the PGA of America, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s 67-year history. Her election as the 27th President was confirmed during the Association’s 66th Annual Meeting on June 16, 2025, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“It’s a privilege to work with such passionate and committed PGA Professionals,” Finger said.” I look forward to collaborating with our members, partners and the broader community to grow the game and inspire future generations of golfers.”
A Trailblazing Career in Golf
Finger’s journey in golf began in West Des Moines, Iowa, where she developed a passion for the sport. She attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Education. During her time at St. Olaf, she was a four-year letter winner and served as captain of the women’s golf team. After graduation, she started her career as an assistant golf professional at Northfield Golf Club and later returned to St. Olaf to coach the women’s golf team for seven seasons and the men’s team for four seasons.
In 2006, Finger became a member of the PGA of America and has since accumulated over 20 years of experience in the golf industry, playing a significant role in growing the game of golf in Scottsdale and all over Arizona. Her roles have included serving as the Senior Director of Tournaments and Championships for the Arizona Golf Association, where she managed operations for more than 50 tournaments and championships for nearly 80,000 amateur golfers in Arizona.
Finger’s commitment to professional development is evident in her achievement of the PGA Master Professional designation in 2019, the highest educational status a PGA Member can attain. She became only the 10th woman to earn this distinction and just the second in the area of Player Development.
Leadership and Advocacy
Beyond her professional roles, Finger has been an active advocate for inclusion and player development in golf. She has served on various committees, including the PGA of America National Membership Committee, The First Tee National Growing Girls Golf Committee, and the LPGA National Hall of Fame Committee. She also holds dual membership in the PGA of America and the LPGA as a Class A Professional, a distinction held by only 210 women in the U.S. As well, Finger is also the Executive Director for the Southwestern Amateur Golf Association, which recently completed the 110th edition of the Southwestern Amateur at Desert Mountain.
Desert Mountain holds a commitment to having the best of the best lead and provide exceptional experiences for all Members. Le Ann Finger’s election as President represents the quality in leadership that signifies Desert Mountain as a top-rated golf club in Scottsdale and the nation.
