Tommy 'Two Gloves' Gainey Sets Course Record, Becomes Season's First Two-Time Winner on the Nationwide Tour

A. O. Smith Sponsored Player Jumps to No. 1 on Nationwide Tour Money List

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Jul 19, 2010, 06:33 ET

ASHLAND CITY, Tenn., July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Former A. O. Smith employee and sponsored player Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey got his second Nationwide Tour win at the Chiquita Classic at TPC River's Bend in Cincinnati yesterday.

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Gainey finished at 24 under par, which equaled the second-lowest finish in tour history. He also tied a Nationwide Tour record with his 54-hole score of 24, including a course record 62 on Saturday.

His performance at the TPC pushed him to the No. 1 spot on the money list. The 25 leading money winners at the end of the year will earn PGA TOUR cards for 2011. Gainey's track record makes his return to the PGA TOUR a strong likelihood in 2011.

"I'm relieved that I was able to stay focused considering I wasn't hitting great all day," Gainey said. "This was a pivotal win for me, and I'm thrilled for a chance to return to the PGA TOUR."

"A big congratulations goes out to Tommy for his record-setting win yesterday," said Ajita Rajendra, president, A. O. Smith Water Products Company. "As one of Tommy's biggest fans, A. O. Smith is excited about his opportunity to return to the PGA TOUR."

South Carolina native Gainey starred on The Golf Channel's Big Break II and was asked back to compete on Big Break VII; The Reunion at Reunion, where he walked away with the winner's trophy. In December 2008, Gainey earned his PGA TOUR card when he finished tied for 19th at the PGA Q-School.

Gainey is sponsored by his former employer, A. O. Smith, North America's leading manufacturer and marketer of residential and commercial water heaters and hydronic boilers.

About A. O. Smith

Headquartered in Ashland City, Tenn., A. O. Smith Water Products Company is North America's leading manufacturer and marketer of residential and commercial water heaters and hydronic boilers. A. O. Smith offers contractors 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.

SOURCE A. O. Smith Corporation