Pete Oakley

Shot 72 and was medalist at the Hollywood, Fla., sectional to qualify for the 2012 U.S. Senior Open.
Got started in the game as an 11-year-old by his mother who thought the nearby nine-hole golf course would be a great babysitter for him and his brother, David, a former Champions Tour player. Calls his 2004 Senior British Open victory his biggest thrill in golf.
Captured his first national title in 1999, winning the PGA Senior Club Professional Championship by three strokes, was runner-up in 2000 Championship and tied for 15th in 2001. Was a member of the 1994 PGA Cup Team that triumphed at PGA National Golf Club's Champion Course over Europe, 15-11. Winner of the 2000 PGA Senior Stroke Play Championship. Younger brother of David Oakley, a member of the PGA European Seniors Tour. Won the 1980, '82, '86, '90, '95 Delaware State Open, 1989, '90 Philadelphia Open and four events on the PGA Tournament Series. Competed in 1975, '80, '83 U.S. Open, 1983, '86, '87, '94, '95, '97 PGA Championship. Won the 1980 and 1984 Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year.
Was a regular on the European Senior Tour. Produced the biggest upset victory in the history of The Senior Open Championship when he triumphed by one stroke at Royal Portrush Golf Club in July 2004. Held off American Tom Kite, Argentina's Eduardo Romero and Mark James of England to become the first qualifier to take the coveted title since the Championship began in 1987. Started the final round with a one stroke lead and secured the trophy after a brilliant up and down on the last, where he splashed out from a deep greenside trap and holed a pressure-packed 12-foot par putt. The victory also helped him finish second on the Order of Merit and take the honours as Rookie of the Year. Prior to Portrush, his biggest victory had been the 1999 PGA Senior Club Professional Championship in America, so the â?¬237,365 he won in Northern Ireland was far and away the biggest check of his career.