By Joe McDonald

RIGA Senior Writer

 

WEST WARWICK – It’s about time the Rhode Island Stroke Play Championship is renamed in Paul Quigley’s honor. 

 

Quigley won the championship nine times (1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1999 and 2000) during a 13-year span. He’s also won the Senior Division of the tournament multiple times and he added to that list with another victory Wednesday at Valley Country Club. He didn’t even know he won the Senior Division until several people congratulated him after he finished 74-73 – 147 (3-over) during the two-day event this week. 

 

“I never look at the leaderboard,” he said. “I just play. It’s just the love of the game and the love to compete. I don’t get up in the morning and come to a tournament and say, ‘I could stay home.’ No, I’m ready to go.” 

Quigley’s always been ready to go. His compete level is off the charts and his resume is even more impressive, especially now for a 78-year-old. 

 

In fact, he was instrumental in starting the Stroke Play Championship prior to the 1984 season. At the time, Ed Perry was the secretary of the RIGA, which was then the top official of the organization. When a group of local golfers, including Quigley, approached Perry about creating a Player of the Year award, along with a Stroke Play Championship, they figured it was a longshot. 

 

“We almost fainted when he said ‘ok,’” explained Quigley. 

 

Billy Andrade won the inaugural event in 1984, while Charlie Hayes (1985), Chuck Wojtowicz (1986) and Tom Johnson (1987) won the next three championships. Then it became Quigley’s show. He also reached the finals of the Rhode Island Amateur Championship seven times and recorded three victories. He’s the only golfer in Rhode Island to win the state title three times after reaching age 40. 

 

“I just love to compete,” Quigley said. “I’ve always said, ‘The golf ball doesn’t know how old you are when you hit it.’ I have fun. I enjoy it. If I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t do it – for sure.”

 

Even if any of his five grandkids attempt to beat “pops” they know he’s going to give it his best not to lose. 

 

“It doesn’t matter where it is, or what it’s for,” he said with a laugh. 

 

He definitely doesn’t look his age, but enjoys shooting well below his age. Besides never drinking, or smoking, Quigley believes the 13 years he’s been doing hot yoga has really helped maintain a solid quality of life, including a stellar golf game at his age.

 

“To this day, I work out every morning,” he said. “I keep at it. We have such a competition in our family with Brett and Dana, so no one will give anyone any accolades, so you’ve got to stay sharp.” 

 

He was up at 5:30 a.m. for his daily workout before Wednesday’s round and it paid dividends. Spending the winters in Florida helps, too, he said.

 

It took Quigley a while to exit the clubhouse Wednesday at Valley CC because so many of his fellow golfers wanted to congratulate him on another impressive victory.