Former PGA Tour winner Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey was arrested last week in Polk County, Fla., as part of a prostitution sting.
Gainey was one of 124 suspects arrested as part of the six-day sting operation, dubbed "Operation Santa's Naughty List," which targeted those involved in soliciting prostitution and human trafficking, as well child predators.
Sheriff Judd, and the Chiefs from @bartowpd @WHPoliceDept @LakelandPD @HainesCityPD and @Auburndalegov are briefing the media about Operation Santa’s Naughty List, focusing on human trafficking & child predators, with 124 arrests. Watch now https://t.co/rKNE28jFQl pic.twitter.com/ADrIfLwl5H
— Polk County Sheriff (@PolkCoSheriff) December 11, 2019
Police with the Polk County Sheriff's office say Gainey was arrested on Dec. 8 and released on bail on Dec. 9. Gainey responded to an Internet advertisement to arrange a meeting with someone posing as a sex worker. Gainey was charged with first-degree misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution.
According to the Sheriff's office, as reported by TMZ, Gainey was in town for a charity golf event on Dec. 9. He ultimately was not released from jail in time to make his tee time at the event.
During a news conference to announce the results of the sting, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd made a crack about Gainey's nickname.
"There's so many things I could say about that -- two gloves -- but I won't," said Judd.
The 44-year-old Gainey is married and lives in Hartsville, S.C.
Gainey won the 2012 RSM Classic with a one-shot victory over David Toms at Sea Island Golf Club in Georgia. He lost his PGA Tour card but continues to compete and win on developmental tours, including the SwingThought Tour.
