Paul Foley

Paul Foley (born c. 1959) is an Australian professional golfer. Foley turned pro as a teenager and quickly won an official event on the PGA Tour of Australasia, the 1980 Traralgon Classic, "stunning an experienced field." For remainder of the decade he played on the PGA Tour of Australasia and Asia Golf Circuit, winning one more significant event, the 1982 Queensland PGA Championship. Since retirement he has shepherded his daughter, Samantha, as a touring professional. Early life Foley started playing golf in his early youth. He recorded his first hole-in-one at 13. Early in his career he worked as an assistant professional at Royal Queensland Golf Club. In 1978 Foley won the Australian Professional Trainee Championship. In late 1978 or early 1979 he turned professional. Professional career Roughly one year after turning pro Foley "stunned an experienced field" at the Traralgon Classic and won his first professional tournament. He opened the final round at even par, several shots behind the leaders. However, he shot a front nine 33 (−4), which included five birdies, to get into contention. He played even better on the back nine, recording a six birdies for a 29 (−6). His final round 62 (−10) beat the course record by two strokes. It was the best score of his career, in any sort of event, by 6 shots. Fellow Australian Wayne Grady finished runner-up, six behind. Later in the year, he won the Australian Four-Ball with partner Geoff Parslow, a club professional at Tweed Heads. They defeated Bob Shaw and Ted Ball by one shot, shooting –18 as a team. Foley played in the 1981 Open Championship at Royal St George's Golf Club, earning his place through final qualifying. He had rounds of 78 and 81 and missed the cut. He stated later in his career that Royal St George's is one of the best golf courses he has ever played on.