Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey is a name synonymous with resilience and an unorthodox style in professional golf. Known for his signature two-gloved grip and baseball-inspired swing, Gainey’s journey from factory worker to PGA Tour winner is a testament to grit.
In this article, we explore his personal life, career milestones, financial standing, and legacy in the sport.
Tommy Gainey’s Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Thomas Dale Gainey Jr. |
| Nickname | Two Gloves |
| Born | August 13, 1975 (Age 49) |
| Hometown | Darlington, South Carolina, USA |
| College | Central Carolina Technical College |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Turned Pro | 1997 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 million |
| Spouse | Erin Gainey |
| Children | Two sons: Thomas and Davis |
Early Career
Tommy Gainey’s path to professional golf was anything but conventional. Before turning pro in 1997, he spent years working on the assembly line at A.O.
Smith’s water heater factory in McBee, South Carolina, often clocking 12-hour shifts. His evenings and weekends were dedicated to honing his game at local courses, where he developed his signature two-gloved grip—a style borrowed from his baseball days. Gainey scrapped his way through mini-tours like the Tarheel Tour and NGA Hooters Tour, funding his dream with factory wages and small tournament payouts.
Between 2004 and 2007, he notched four wins on these circuits, proving his raw talent. His big break came in 2007 when he won The Big Break VII: Reunion, a Golf Channel reality series, earning a PGA Tour card and sponsorships that finally let him quit factory work. This grind-from-the-ground-up journey laid the foundation for his underdog persona in professional golf.
Professional Career
Tommy Gainey’s professional journey is a rollercoaster of perseverance and late-blooming success. After earning his PGA Tour card in 2008 via Q-School—a feat that made him the first Big Break alum to do so—he struggled initially, making just five cuts in his rookie season. His career pivoted at the 2008 Children’s Miracle Network Classic, where a final-round 64 secured a runner-up finish, salvaging his Tour status.
The 2011 season marked his breakout year: seven top-10 finishes, including three third-place finishes, and a career-high $2.1 million in earnings. However, inconsistency plagued him, exemplified by a quadruple-bogey collapse at the 2011 Phoenix Open that cost him a potential win. Gainey’s defining moment came in 2012 at the McGladrey Classic.
Trailing by seven strokes entering Sunday, he fired a course-record 60—featuring eight birdies and an eagle—to clinch his lone PGA Tour title. The victory, his first in 105 starts, showcased his streaky brilliance and unorthodox swing. Despite flashes of success, injuries and erratic play led him back to the Korn Ferry Tour (formerly Nationwide Tour), where he thrived with three wins, including a 2020 Bahamas Great Exuma Classic title just weeks after a personal scandal.
By 2025, Gainey’s career spans over $7.1 million in earnings across tours, anchored by 17 top-10 finishes and a world ranking peak of 84th. While no longer a PGA Tour regular, he leverages past champion status to compete selectively, embodying the grit of a player who clawed his way from factory floors to leaderboards.
Wife
Tommy Gainey remains married to Erin Gainey as of 2025. The couple, who tied the knot over a decade ago, has two sons: Thomas and Davis.
Despite his 2019 arrest during a Florida prostitution sting—a scandal that briefly overshadowed his career—Gainey has publicly credited his family as his support system. His PGA Tour bio and arrest reports consistently list Erin as his spouse, with no updates indicating a separation or divorce. The Gainey family continues to reside in Hartsville, South Carolina.
Tommy Gainey’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Tommy Gainey’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | $562,205 | Rookie PGA Tour season; 6 cuts made |
| 2011 | $2,174,191 | Career-best year: 7 top-10s, three 3rd-place finishes |
| 2012 | $1,540,749 | First PGA Tour win at McGladrey Classic |
| 2020 | $46,706 | Korn Ferry Tour victory in the Bahamas |
| Total | $7.1M+ | Combined earnings from PGA and Korn Ferry Tours |
Endorsements
Tommy Gainey’s blue-collar persona and underdog story made him a magnet for sponsors. A.O. Smith, his former employer at their McBee water heater plant, backed him through 2012, featuring their logo on his hat and shirt as he rose through the PGA Tour.
After his 2012 McGladrey Classic win, Gainey signed with Callaway Golf, switching to their clubs while retaining partnerships with Under Armour for apparel and The Dow Group for financial services.
Career Stats
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| PGA Tour Wins | 1 (2012 McGladrey Classic) |
| Korn Ferry Wins | 3 (2010 Chiquita Classic, 2010 Melwood Prince George’s County Open, 2020 Bahamas Great Exuma Classic) |
| Top-10 Finishes | 17 (7 PGA Tour, 10 Korn Ferry Tour) |
| Lowest Round | 60 (Final round, 2012 McGladrey Classic) |
| Best Major Finish | T61 (2013 PGA Championship) |
| Career Earnings | $7.1 million+ (PGA/Korn Ferry combined) |
FAQs
1. What is Tommy Gainey’s nationality and professional golf background?
Gainey is an American professional golfer, widely known on the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour for her distinctive two-glove playing style and blue-collar roots in the sport.
2. Which tours has Gainey played on during her career?
She has competed on the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and various developmental tours, building her reputation with competitive performances and victories in key events.
3. What are Gainey’s most notable career achievements on the PGA Tour?
Gainey won the 2012 McGladrey Classic, claiming her first PGA Tour title with a dramatic closing round, and secured multiple top-10 finishes in other PGA and Korn Ferry events.
4. How did Gainey develop her golf skills before turning professional?
She played college golf at Central Carolina Technical College, then honed her abilities working at a mill and playing local tournaments before advancing to the professional ranks.
5. What unique features define Gainey’s playing style and equipment preference?
Gainey is called “Two Gloves” because she wears gloves on both hands when playing, a rare habit among tour professionals, and owns an unorthodox swing mechanics that command attention.
6. Has Gainey been involved with televised golf competitions or entertainment shows?
She participated in “The Big Break” reality TV series on Golf Channel, gaining widespread recognition and helping to launch her career at higher competitive levels.
7. What challenges has Gainey faced throughout her golf career?
Gainey managed setbacks including missed cuts and loss of tour cards, overcoming adversity with repeated qualification successes and continued presence in professional events.
8. How do coaches and analysts assess Gainey’s approach and attitude in golf?
Coaches cite her perseverance and gritty play, while analysts appreciate her underdog mentality and distinctive style that set her apart from most tour regulars.
9. What community and charity work has Gainey supported off the course?
Gainey is known for philanthropic efforts in his native South Carolina, supporting youth golf initiatives and various local charities through personal and event-driven contributions.
10. What are Gainey’s career goals as he continues to compete?
Gainey aims to regain full PGA Tour status, contend for further wins, and provide inspiration for golfers with nontraditional backgrounds seeking success in the game.
