Toney G. Penna (January 15, 1908 – August 6, 1995) was an Italian-American professional golfer and designer of golf clubs and gear.[1][2] He won four events on the PGA Tour between 1937 and 1947.[3] He introduced new lines of golf clubs and was the holder of four patents for golf clubs.[4][5] Many of these clubs are considered collectors' items: some are still in production. He also introduced the use of color to both clubs and to golf accessories, such as carrying bags.
Starting out in golf by being a caddy, Penna was known for his personality and individualism as much as for his golfing abilities.[9] He was often a critic of his high-ranking golf contemporaries, and published a table illustrating his thoughts about the strengths and weaknesses of each in his autobiography.[10] With a ready temper but also a sense of humor, Penna's work as a golf pro brought him into contact with Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, and Bob Hope, among others.[5][11][12]
Perry Como was a long-time friend of Penna's. Before his permanent move to Florida, Como often came to golf with him on the weekends after completing his weekly television program.[13][14] After a tournament where Penna beat Como, he remarked that the only thing that was keeping him from returning to the large professional golf tours was his lack of hair. A week later, Penna received a package from Como; inside was a hairpiece and a note which said "Go!".[15]
Penna was a longtime employee and representative of the MacGregor Golf Company.[13] After years of working for MacGregor, Penna started his own company and manufactured his own golf clubs.[2] A stretch of road in Jupiter, Florida, where his company was located is named after him.[16] Penna used the spelling of his name as an attention-getter, and was known for having a taste for fine clothing.[17][18] Penna displayed an ability for concentrated problem-solving in improving golf club performance which led to his success as an equipment representative, a golf pro, and also as the producer of his own line of golf clubs.[10][19]
With his brother, Charley, Penna was associated with the Beverly and with the Calumet Country Clubs, both near Chicago; at one time both brothers were playing professionally.[20] Penna died in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida in 1995 at the age of 87.[4]
NT = no tournament
WD = withdrew
CUT = missed the half-way cut
R64, R32, R16, QF, SF = round in which player lost in PGA Championship match play
"T" indicates a tie for a place
