Pete Oakley

Peter Hal Oakley (born June 28, 1949) is an American professional golfer best known for winning the 2004 Senior British Open, one of the 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.

Personal life His wife has caddied for him in professional tournaments.

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) LegendSenior major championships (1)Other Champions Tour (0) No.DateTournamentWinning scoreMargin ofvictoryRunners-up1Jul 25, 2004 The Senior British Open Championship−4 (73-68-73-70=284)1 stroke Tom Kite, Eduardo Romero

European Seniors Tour wins (1) LegendSenior major championships (1)Other European Seniors Tour (0) No.DateTournamentWinning scoreMargin ofvictoryRunners-up1Jul 25, 2004 The Senior British Open Championship−4 (73-68-73-70=284)1 stroke Tom Kite, Eduardo Romero

Other senior wins (2) 1999 PGA Senior Club Pro Championship 2000 PGA Senior Stroke Play Championship

Results in major championships

CUT = missed the halfway cut Note: Oakley never played in the Masters Tournament.

Senior major championships

Wins (1) YearChampionshipWinning scoreMarginRunners-up 2004 Senior British Open Championship −4 (73-68-73-70=284) 1 stroke Tom Kite, Eduardo Romero

U.S. national team appearances PGA Cup: 1994 (winners)