SC pro golfer busted in prostitution sting ‘missed his tee time,’ sheriff says
A professional golfer from South Carolina was arrested Sunday in a Florida human trafficking sting, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.
Known for his nickname as much as for his success on the PGA Tour, Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey was charged with soliciting a prostitute, jail records show.
The 44-year-old Darlington native was one of 124 people who were arrested in the undercover investigation in central Florida called “Operation Santa’s Naughty List,” the sheriff’s office said.
Gainey’s mug shot was shared along with those of 45 other men who were busted while “seeking a prostitute,” according to the sheriff’s office.
The one-time PGA tournament winner was in Polk County to play in a charity golf event, Sheriff Grady Judd said in a news conference.
“Tommy Gainey is a professional golfer, in fact he’s got his PGA card,” Judd said, also pointing out Gainey is married. “He told us that he was here for a charity golf event. That it was to be the next morning tee-off. He didn’t make it. He was a scratch. ... He missed his tee time the next morning.”
Gainey was released from jail Monday, after his bond was set at $500, jail records show.
The purpose of the sting was to identify and help victims of human trafficking who might be forced into prostitution, the sheriff’s office said.
He was one of 30 men in the bust who told deputies they were married, according to the sheriff’s office.
Gainey said he would make a statement about his arrest soon, Golf Channel reported.
Calls made to Gainey’s agents, Empire Sports Management in Awendaw, were not answered.
He got his nickname for wearing gloves on both hands, which is uncommon in golf.
The winner of the 2012 McGladrey Classic, Gainey competed in four PGA Tour events this year, making the cut once, according to Golfweek.
Gainey has a “Yogi Bera-esque approach,” and his South Carolina drawl hangs on his lips “like Spanish moss on a live oak,” according to his website.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
This story was originally published December 11, 2019 at 1:13 PM with the headline "SC pro golfer busted in prostitution sting ‘missed his tee time,’ sheriff says."
