Tommy Valentine


Thomas Ervin Valentine was an American professional golfer.

College

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Valentine was a four-year letterman in golf for the University of Georgia team from 1968 to 1971, winning the Southeastern Conference individual title in 1970, and helping Georgia win the SEC championship in 1969, 1970, and 1971. He was first team NCAA All-American in 1970.

Professional career

Valentine competed on the PGA Tour from 1977 until 1988, earning over $300,000 during his career, which included 14 top-10 finishes. Valentine's best finish was a second to Tom Watson in the 1981 Atlanta Classic. Valentine and Watson were tied at the end of 72 holes, and Watson won the sudden-death playoff.

Playoff record

PGA Tour playoff record
No.YearTournamentOpponentResult
11981Atlanta Classic Tom WatsonLost to par on third extra hole

Later years

After leaving the PGA Tour in 1988, Valentine accepted the position of Head Pro at the Lochmoor Club in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, which he held until his retirement in 2009.
Valentine died on July 12, 2014, following a long battle with cancer. He was 64.