Jacksonville, Florida – Tommy Gainey signed a standout performance by sinking a long eagle putt from outside the green on the 13th hole, a par 5, which allowed him to take the lead and secure his victory at the Constellation Furyk & Friends. Gainey, with a 6-under-par card (66), conquered his first title on the PGA Tour Champions, surpassing his competitors by two strokes. The 50-year-old golfer, who had to go through the qualifying phase to access the tournament at Timuquana Country Club, started the final round four strokes behind the leader, Matt Gogel. However, his performance in the second half of the course allowed him to pull away and keep the Australian Cameron Percy at bay. Percy, positioned just one stroke behind Gainey, saw his hopes of a birdie on the 17th hole dashed after missing a 15-foot putt. On the final hole, he repeated the disappointment, missing another birdie attempt from the same distance. For his part, Gainey, with a six-foot birdie, sealed his victory with a cumulative score of 14 under par (202). This triumph represents a milestone for Gainey, who this year had participated in four Monday qualifiers. Thanks to this victory, he is now exempt and moves up to number 37 in the Charles Schwab Cup standings.
As for his rivals, Gogel finished with a card of 75, tying for third place with Vijay Singh and Thomas Bjorn, who was recently vice-captain of the European team at the Ryder Cup. This year’s edition marked the farewell of the tournament from Timuquana, a renowned Donald Ross design. The event will move next year to Ocean Hammock, about 60 kilometers south.I have struggled for a long time and, finally, I can say that the effort and hard work have paid off. I have taken a weight off my shoulders.
Tommy Gainey
