Pete Oakley
Peter Hal Oakley is an American professional golfer best known for winning the 2004 Senior British Open, one of the major golf championships|major championships] in senior men's professional golf. He is the younger brother of golfer David Oakley.
Early life
Oakley was born in Panama City, Florida. He got started in the game at age 11 by his mother, who thought a nearby nine-hole course would be a great babysitter for him and his brother David.Professional career
Oakley was a long-time club pro in the Philadelphia-Delaware area where he won numerous sectional titles including the Delaware State Open six times and the Shawnee Open six times. He played some on the Nationwide Tour in his forties to prepare himself for the Champions Tour.The biggest win of his career was his first on the Champions Tour, and came in a major – The 2004 Senior British Open played at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland. Oakley sank a 10-foot par putt on the final hole to win by one stroke and avoid a playoff with Tom Kite and Eduardo Romero. The victory made him only the 10th open qualifier to win a Champions Tour event.
In 2008, he had his best season since 2004, when he finished fifth in the Russian Seniors Open en route to ending the year 29th in the 2008 European Senior Tour Order Of Merit.
Oakley has done some golf course design work. In 2001, he completed and opened a public course in Milton, Delaware, called The Rookery Golf Club.
Personal life
His wife has caddied for him in professional tournaments. His son's, Zachary and Jeremy Joseph, are also golfers. Zac was a three-time All-American at Wesley College, and J.J. played at the University of Delaware. Oakley is a man of strong religious faith.He formerly lived in Lincoln, Delaware and has moved to Palm City, Florida.
Awards and honors
- Oakley was awarded the Player of the Year for the Philadelphia Section of the PGA of America in 1980, 1984, 1999, and 2000.
- Oakley was awarded 2004 European Seniors Tour Rookie of the Year.
Professional wins (18)
Regular career wins (14)
- 1980 Delaware State Open, Shawnee Open
- 1983 Shawnee Open
- 1984 Shawnee Open
- 1986 Delaware State Open, Shawnee Open
- 1987 Delaware State Open
- 1989 Philadelphia Open Championship, Delaware State Open
- 1990 Philadelphia Open Championship
- 1995 Delaware State Open
- 1998 Shawnee Open
- 1999 Shawnee Open
- 2000 Delaware State Open
Champions Tour wins (1)
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | Margin of victory | Runners-up | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | Jul 25, 2004 | The Senior British Open Championship | −4 | 1 stroke |  European Seniors Tour wins (1)
|