TOMMY GAINEY WON HIS FIRST PGA TOUR event on Sunday in his unique style. Gainey tore up the Seaside Course, firing a record 10-under 60, to capture the McGladrey Classic in Sea Island, Georgia. The man nicknamed “Two Gloves” carded eight birdies and an eagle for nines of 31 and 29. Gainey had two chances to become the sixth man to shoot 59 on tour, but he could only manage pars at the 17th and 18th.
“Actually, I wasn’t thinking about 59,” Gainey said. “All I did all day was just try to make birdies and a lot of birdies because when you’re seven shots back, your chances of winning a PGA Tour tournament, especially with the leaders, Davis Love III and Jim Furyk, it don’t bide in your favor, man.”
Gainey is unconventional, to say the least. And I’m not just talking about the black gloves he wears on both hands at all times. He’s the first Golf Channel “Big Break” alum to win on the PGA Tour. He wasn’t a college standout and played minor tours to work his way up to the big time, something that seemed highly improbable for a young man who used to wrap insulation around water heaters for $8.25 an hour.
Now Gainey is a winner. Now, with his $720,000 check, he’s made some serious money this season, rising to 56th on the PGA Tour money list.
“It feels like I’m in a dream,” Two Gloves said. “I’m just waiting for somebody to slap me up side the head or pinch me or something to wake me up.”
David Toms and Furyk tied for second. Tournament host and 54-hole co-leader Love finished in a tie for fourth.
Good for Tommy!! I used to give lessons to players on the Tarheel Tour in NC who played against Tommy 8-9 years ago. They all said his game was good enough to make it on tour even back then. He's a great inspiration for all the "non-country club" types.