David Oakley

{{about||the New Zealand cricketer|David Oakley (cricketer)|the Catholic bishop|David Oakley (bishop)}}

{{Infobox golfer

| name = David Oakley

| image =

| image_size =

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| fullname = David K. Oakley

| nickname = "Oak"

| birth_date = {{Birth date|1945|4|27|mf=y}}

| birth_place = New York

| death_date = {{Death date and age|2006|7|2|1945|4|27|mf=y}}

| death_place = Orlando, Florida

| height = {{height|ft=5|in=10}}

| weight = {{convert|175|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}

| nationality = {{USA}}

| residence =

| spouse =

| children =

| college = University of Florida

| yearpro = 1970 (reinstated amateur)
1996

| retired =

| extour = European Seniors Tour

| prowins = 4

| seneurowins = 4

| otherwins =

| majorwins =

| masters = DNP

| usopen = CUT: 1973

| open = T46: 1972

| pga = DNP

| wghofid =

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}}

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

Early life

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

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.[http://web.gatorzone.com/golf/men/media/2010/supplement.pdf Florida Men's Golf 2011 Media Supplement] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402035020/http://web.gatorzone.com/golf/men/media/2010/supplement.pdf |date=April 2, 2012 }}, University Athletic Association, Gainesville, Florida, pp. 35 & 41 (2010). Retrieved July 14, 2011. As a Gator golfer, he was a member of teams that won Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships in 1965 and 1967. He graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1967.

Professional career

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

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

In 1996, Oakley returned to professional golf and played on various senior circuits."[http://www.pgatour.com/story/9540957 Oakley passes away] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060716052645/http://www.pgatour.com/story/9540957 |date=2006-07-16 }}, " PGATour.com (July 5, 2006). Retrieved July 29, 2011. 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

Oakley died in Orlando, Florida, from prostate cancer at the age of 61."[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2006/jul/5/20060705-103244-4309r/print/ David Oakley, 61, pursued love of golf]," The Washington Times (July 5, 2006). Retrieved November 21, 2010. He was survived by his wife Doris and sons James and Christopher.