Florida Prostitution Sting Includes Pro Golfer, 124 Arrests In 'Operation Santa’s Naughty List'

Tommy Gainey, a professional golfer also known as “Tommy Two Gloves,” was arrested Sunday in Polk County, Florida, as part of a large prostitution and human-trafficking sting. Known as “Operation Santa’s Naughty List,” the sting led to 124 arrests.

Gainey, 44, who lives in Hartsfield, South Carolina, was arrested by police while attempting to solicit a prostitute the night before a charity golf game. He currently faces one charge of first-degree misdemeanor solicitation, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

“He's married. He told us he was here for a charity golf event and it was supposed to be like the next morning tee off,” Judd said in a statement. “He didn't make it. He was a scratch.”

Gainey was captured on surveillance footage offering $60 for oral sex from an undercover officer he believed to be a prostitute. He also mentioned that he would be in the area for the rest of the week, potentially implying a desire for repeat transactions.

The sting began on Dec. 3 and used internet ads to try and set up meetings between suspects and undercover officers. Judd explained that the operation was designed to help track down and rescue victims of human trafficking, and to arrest suspects seeking to “prey on children. Out of the 124 arrests, police said that five were attempting to sexually assault minors.

Gainey is married and has two children, ages 5 and 11. He began playing professionally in 1997 and joined the Professional Golfers Association in 2008. He has participated in four PGA Tour events in the current season, placing T-36 in the Sanderson Farms Championship.

His nickname derives from his trademark of wearing gloves on both hands while competing.