Two South Carolina natives receive sponsors exemptions for Heritage

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC - Two South Carolina natives, Dustin Johnson and Tommy Gainey have been awarded Sponsors Exemptions to the 40th annual Verizon Heritage, it was announced Feb.25 at the tournament’s annual Media Day.

Dustin Johnson, who resides in nearby Myrtle Beach, is a former U.S. Walker Cup star who has excelled on the PGA TOUR early this season, earning $446,346 to place 18th on the official money list.  The 27-year old received his card this year by placing 14th in Q-School.  Dustin was a two-time first team All-American at Coastal Carolina.

Tommy Gainey is one of the more colorful rookies on TOUR, coming up the hard way after spending four years as an assembly line worker.  Tommy, whose nickname is “Two Gloves” because he wears a pair of gloves when he plays, enjoyed success on both the Tarheel and Hooters Tours before winning his card at Q-school last fall.  He also won the Golf Channel’s Big Break VII competition.  He’s a resident of Bishopville, SC.

Verizon Heritage badges are now on sale by logging onto www.verizonheritage.com or by calling 843.671.2448.  Badges can also be purchased on Hilton Head at Golf Outfitters at Shops on the Parkway and in Bluffton at The Village Golf Shop in Sheridan Park.

The Hilton Head/ Bluffton Chamber of Commerce is also selling badges at their three locations: the mid island office next to the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina at Shelter Cove, The Welcome Center on the north end of the island next to the Crazy Crab Restaurant and at the Bluffton Office inside the Liberty Saving Bank building located at the Belfair Towne Village.