Tommy "Two-Gloves" Gainey Clutches First PGA Tour Victory

ASHLAND CITY, Tenn., Oct. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Former A. O. Smith (www.hotwater.com) employee Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey secured his first PGA Tour victory this weekend at The McGladrey Classic (http://www.pgatour.com) in St. Simons Island, Ga. Not only did his achievements Sunday include a first-place finish, Gainey also set a new course record of 60 at Sea Island Golf Club, the lowest score posted on the PGA Tour this year.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121022/CL97887)

Gainey began the final round seven shots behind golf legends such as Jim Furyk, Davis Love III and David Toms. His final day score of 60, however, was nearly 9.5 shots better than the average score, sealing the win.

Gainey's dedication to the game was evident to A. O. Smith long before he joined the PGA tour. He began his career at A. O. Smith's McBee, S.C., water heater manufacturing facility. While his years there were spent helping build water heaters on the assembly line, Gainey found his way to the golf course any chance that he could.

"I can honestly say that part of my check used to go toward golf in some form or fashion every week," Gainey said. "I guess you can say A. O. Smith started supporting me and my love for the game before they even realized it."

Gainey pursued his love of the game, competing on The Golf Channel's Big Break II and Big Break VII: The Reunion, where he was quickly recognized for his unorthodox swing and gloved hands—both habits he picked up playing baseball as a child. Gainey left the Big Break VII with the winner's trophy and ultimately earned his tour card in 2008 with a top 25 finish at the PGA Q-School. After a stint on the Nationwide Tour that produced two wins, Tommy has been competing on the PGA Tour full-time the last two years.

"We are extremely proud to congratulate Tommy on his first win on the PGA Tour," said Ajita Rajendra, president and COO of A. O. Smith. "From working in the McBee plant, to becoming our sponsored golfer for the past several years, it warms our hearts to see Tommy grow and prosper on the PGA Tour. He's an integral part of the A. O. Smith family."

Gainey finished the McGladrey Classic at 16-under 264. With this victory, he earned a trip to Kapalua in January for the Tournament of Champions and a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.

About A. O. Smith:
A. O. Smith Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of residential and commercial water heaters and boilers. A. O. Smith offers its customers an additional competitive advantage in that the company designs, builds, distributes and field supports the world's broadest and deepest line of residential and commercial water heaters, as well as commercial boilers. This single-source concept simplifies ordering, installation and service and is backed by more than 70 years of research and innovation. For more information, visit www.hotwater.com. For the most up-to-date industry news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

SOURCE A. O. Smith