Golfer Tommy Gainey Extends Partnership with A.O. Smith

A.O. Smith Corp. announced that it has renewed its sponsorship of PGA Tour golf professional Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey through 2012.

Gainey will be sporting the Milwaukee-based water heater and boiler manufacturer’s logo on his hat and golf shirt. The South Carolina native is a former employee of A.O. Smith’s McBee, bronchi S.C., store water heater plant.

“A.O. Smith gave me an opportunity to make a living so many years ago when I began working at the McBee plant,” Gainey said. “I don’t think that I can ever thank them enough for putting their faith in me yet again and deciding to sponsor me on the tour.”

Gainey had a breakout year in 2011, compiling seven top-10 finishes and earning more than $2 million on the PGA Tour, placing him 36th on the money list.

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 Qualifying School.

Gainey secured two wins on the Nationwide Tour in 2010, finishing the year at fourth on the money list. His performance earned him a spot on the PGA Tour in 2011.

Ajita Rajendra, president and chief operating officer of A.O. Smith, said: “We are very proud of Tommy for all of his recent accomplishments and are honored to continue sponsoring him. We wish him well in 2012 and will be following his progress on the course.”