Pete Oakley

Peter H. 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. 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. 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. 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. Oakley has done some golf course design work. In 2001, he completed and opened (with partner Chris Adkins) a public course in Milton, Delaware called The Rookery. Oakley was awarded the Player of the Year for the Philadelphia Section of the PGA of America in 1980, 1984, 1999 and 2000. His son's, Zac and J.J., 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 lives in Lincoln, Delaware.