David K. Oakley (April 27, 1945 – July 2, 2006) was an American professional golfer whose greatest success came on the European Seniors Tour.

David Oakley
Personal information
Full nameDavid K. Oakley
Nickname"Oak"
Born(1945-04-27)April 27, 1945
New York
DiedJuly 2, 2006(2006-07-02) (aged 61)
Orlando, Florida
Height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight175 lb (79 kg; 12.5 st)
Sporting nationality United States
Career
CollegeUniversity of Florida
Turned professional1970 (reinstated amateur)
1996
Former tour(s)European Seniors Tour
Professional wins4
Number of wins by tour
European Senior Tour4
Best results in major championships
Masters TournamentDNP
PGA ChampionshipDNP
U.S. OpenCUT: 1973
The Open ChampionshipT46: 1972

Early life

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Oakley was born in New York, but grew up in Panama City, Florida. He got started in golf by his mother, who thought a nine-hole course near their home would make a fine babysitter for Oakley and his brother. Oakley was the older brother of American professional golfer Pete Oakley.

Amateur career

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Oakley attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where he was a walk-on member of coach Buster Bishop's Florida Gators men's golf team from 1965 to 1967.[1] As a Gator golfer, he was a member of teams that won Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships in 1965 and 1967.[1] He graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1967.

Professional career

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In 1970, Oakley turned pro. He played in Europe, Asia, Canada, and the United States. In 1976, he stopped working as a touring professional to concentrate on a business career unrelated to golf.

Re-instated amateur status

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Oakley regained his amateur status during this era. He worked for ten years as a hotel liquidator and then nine years as a furniture store manager.

Second professional career

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In 1996, Oakley returned to professional golf and played on various senior circuits.[2] He had much success on the European Senior Tour where he won four times. He was fifth on the European Seniors Tour career money list at one point.

Personal life

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Oakley died in Orlando, Florida, from prostate cancer at the age of 61.[3] He was survived by his wife Doris and sons James and Christopher.

Professional wins (4)

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European Seniors Tour wins (4)

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No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory
Runner(s)-up
1 23 May 1999 MDIS & Partners Festival of Golf −8 (68-71-69=208) 6 strokes   Jerry Bruner,   David Huish
2 20 Aug 2000 De Vere Hotels Seniors Classic −17 (67-64-65=196) 4 strokes   Noel Ratcliffe
3 19 Aug 2001 Energis Senior Masters −8 (68-69-71=208) 3 strokes   Malcolm Gregson
4 2 Sep 2001 Scottish Seniors Open −6 (65-70-75=210) Playoff   Keith MacDonald

European Seniors Tour playoff record (1–0)

No. Year Tournament Opponent Result
1 2001 Scottish Seniors Open   Keith MacDonald Won with par on second extra hole

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Florida Men's Golf 2011 Media Supplement Archived April 2, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, University Athletic Association, Gainesville, Florida, pp. 35 & 41 (2010). Retrieved July 14, 2011.
  2. ^ "Oakley passes away Archived 2006-07-16 at the Wayback Machine, " PGATour.com (July 5, 2006). Retrieved July 29, 2011.
  3. ^ "David Oakley, 61, pursued love of golf," The Washington Times (July 5, 2006). Retrieved November 21, 2010.
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