Tom Pernice Jr Bio
Thomas Charles Pernice Jr. (born September 5, 1959) is an American professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour Champions. He previously played on the PGA Tour, where he won two tournaments. Standing 178 centimeters tall and weighing 79 kilograms, Pernice has built a reputation as a steady, technically sound player. Over the course of his career, he has recorded a total of 13 professional wins, including six on the PGA Tour Champions.
Born and raised in the American Midwest, Pernice became one of the country’s top collegiate players before turning professional in the early 1980s. After decades of consistent play on the PGA Tour, he transitioned to the senior circuit in 2009 and has remained a competitive presence there ever since. He currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee.
Early Life and Background
Thomas Charles Pernice Jr. was born on September 5, 1959, in Kansas City, Missouri. Growing up in the heart of the Midwest, he was introduced to golf at a young age and developed his game throughout his school years. The Kansas City area offered access to a number of public and private courses, and Pernice spent countless hours refining his swing during his formative years.
His talent eventually carried him to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he joined the university’s storied golf program. At UCLA, Pernice majored in Economics and graduated in 1982. His time in college shaped both his approach to the game and his understanding of the business side of professional sports, laying the foundation for a long career on tour.
Path to Professional Golf
Pernice’s college career at UCLA was distinguished. He earned All-American honors twice and was named Pac-10 Player of the Year in 1981. His UCLA teammates included several future PGA Tour professionals, such as Jay Delsing, Corey Pavin, Steve Pate, and Duffy Waldorf. Training and competing alongside this talented group helped sharpen his competitive edge and prepared him for the rigors of professional golf.
After graduating in 1982, Pernice turned professional in 1983 and began his climb through the professional ranks. He qualified for the PGA Tour and steadily built his resume over the following years. His breakthrough on the PGA Tour came years later, when he captured his first victory in his 213th career start, a testament to his persistence and patience.
Tom Pernice Jr Career
Early Career (1983–1990s)
Pernice’s early years on the PGA Tour were marked by steady play and gradual improvement. He earned his Tour card and worked to establish himself among a competitive field, learning from veterans and refining the technical aspects of his game. His commitment to the Jim Hardy one-plane swing became a hallmark of his approach, giving him a consistent and repeatable motion.
During this period, Pernice posted several solid finishes, including a T13 at the 1989 U.S. Open, which remains his best finish in a major championship. These early results helped him secure his place on Tour and set the stage for the wins that would follow later in his career.
PGA Tour Breakthrough (1990s–2000s)
Pernice’s persistence on the PGA Tour paid off with two career victories, his first arriving in his 213rd event. The milestone win was a reward for years of consistent effort and a demonstration of the patience that defined his career. His second PGA Tour win further cemented his reputation as a reliable competitor.
Throughout his PGA Tour career, Pernice earned more than $14.9 million in official prize money, a reflection of his longevity and consistency. Even when wins were scarce, his ability to make cuts and post top finishes kept him competitive for many seasons.
PGA Tour Champions Era (2009–Present)
Pernice turned 50 in September 2009 and made his Champions Tour debut at the SAS Championship that same year. In a remarkable performance, he became the 15th player to win a Champions Tour event in his debut, defeating Nick Price and David Frost by a single stroke. The victory announced his arrival on the senior circuit in dramatic fashion.
Through 2010 and 2011, Pernice played sporadically on the PGA Tour, earning conditional status in both years while continuing to compete on the Champions Tour. In 2012, he regained full PGA Tour status after a third-place tie at the Children’s Miracle Network Classic moved him to 121st on the 2011 money list, having entered the week ranked 143rd as the fifth alternate. That same year, he finished 29th on the Champions Tour money list, earning him full status on both tours. He has since recorded six victories on the PGA Tour Champions, including a perfect 2–0 record in playoffs, and has remained an active competitor in senior golf.
Driving Style and Strengths
Pernice is widely recognized as an advocate of the Jim Hardy one-plane swing, a technique that emphasizes a simpler, more upright swing path. This approach has given him a repeatable and dependable motion that holds up well under pressure. His patience, course management skills, and mental toughness have been central to his longevity, particularly in the close contests that have marked his Champions Tour career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Pernice’s most memorable achievements is his Champions Tour debut victory at the 2009 SAS Championship, where he joined a select group of players who have won in their first senior start. He also reached a career milestone with his second PGA Tour victory and has accumulated six Champions Tour titles. His best major championship finish remains a T13 at the 1989 U.S. Open.
Tom Pernice Jr Career Wins
Across all professional tours, Tom Pernice Jr. has recorded 13 career victories, including two wins on the PGA Tour and six on the PGA Tour Champions. His wins reflect a career built on consistency, technical precision, and the ability to perform when it matters most. He has demonstrated particular strength in playoff situations, going a perfect 2–0 in Champions Tour playoffs.
PGA Tour Highlights
Pernice won two PGA Tour events, with his first coming in his 213rd career start. The breakthrough was a defining moment in his career, rewarding years of steady play. His second PGA Tour win further established him as a proven winner at the highest level of American golf.
PGA Tour Champions Highlights
On the PGA Tour Champions, Pernice has recorded six victories, beginning with his debut win at the 2009 SAS Championship. That win, by a single stroke over Nick Price and David Frost, marked the first of his Champions Tour career. He has since added five more titles, demonstrating the kind of consistent play that has become his trademark.
Other Wins and Performances
In addition to his PGA Tour and Champions Tour victories, Pernice has recorded five other professional wins across various tours and events. These additional titles reflect his competitive success outside the two main American circuits and underscore the breadth of his professional career.
| Series | Wins | Playoff Record |
|---|---|---|
| PGA Tour | 2 | — |
| PGA Tour Champions | 6 | 2–0 |
| Other Professional | 5 | — |
Tom Pernice Jr Family
Personal Life
Tom Pernice Jr. is married to Raquel Pernice, with the couple’s marriage recorded in public records dated January 14, 2023. The couple shares a personal life centered on their residence in Nashville, Tennessee, where Pernice has lived while continuing his professional golf career.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 PGA Tour Champions season, Tom Pernice Jr. remains an active competitor on the senior circuit. With six Champions Tour titles already to his name and a perfect 2–0 playoff record, he continues to be a respected presence in senior golf. His experience and technical consistency make him a threat in any field he enters.
Pernice’s 2025 campaign is expected to build on the form that has defined his Champions Tour career, with a focus on contending in major senior events and adding to his win total. His long-standing commitment to the one-plane swing and his disciplined approach to course management continue to serve him well against the modern generation of Champions Tour players.
As one of the more experienced players on the PGA Tour Champions, Pernice’s outlook for 2025 includes remaining competitive in playoff events and leveraging his veteran savvy. His track record suggests he will continue to be a factor in tournaments throughout the season.