Paul Foley

Paul Foley (b. 1959-1960) is an Australian professional golfer.

Foley started playing golf in his early youth. He recorded his first hole in one at 13.

Foley turned pro in January 1979 at the age of 19. One year after turning pro he "stunned an experienced field" at the Traralgon Classic and won his first professional tournament. Foley 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, recording a six birdies for a 29 (-6). His final round 62 (-10) beat the course record by two 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.

Foley would play well in late 1982. In October he finished in a tie for third place at the Dunhill Queensland Open. Late in the season, on December 12, he won the Queensland PGA Championship in a playoff over Peter Fowler. Greg Norman finished one shot out of the playoff.

Foley would continue to play well through the mid-1980s. He played well at the 1983 Australian Open, placing in second place after the first round and remaining one back entering Sunday. However he played poorly in the final round and finished outside of the top three. In 1984 he played excellently on the Queensland circuit, winning 10 pro-ams. Also that year he represented Australia in the World Cup, playing with Mike Harwood. The following year he finished runner-up at the 1985 Western Australia PGA Championship. Five shots behind entering the final round, Foley shot a 68 (-4) but was usurped by Ian Stanley's 66.

Foley would not record many highlights after the 1985 season. In March 1988 he finished third in the Indonesia Open behind Hsieh Yu-Shu. He was in third place entering the final round of the 1988 Tasmanian Open but would fall to Brett Ogle. The following year he finished in joint second place at the West End South Australian Open, five strokes behind Nick Price.

Foley has a daughter named Samantha. Like her father, she has had some success as an amateur.

PGA Tour of Australasia wins (2)

PGA Tour of Australasia playoff record (1–0)

Other wins (1)

• 1980 Australian Four-Ball Championship (with Geoff Parslow)

• World Cup (representing Australia): 1984