A hole in one – of a kind.
David Sibley, of Gannon Municipal Golf Course in Lynn, has been named Golf Professional of the Year by the Massachusetts Chapter of the New England PGA.
“I can’t thank the NEPGA and professionals in the area who nominated me enough for this honor,” said Sibley, who has spent the past six years on the chapter board with two more to go. “I think what it says mostly is that I have done right by both the golf community at which I work, as well as the Massachusetts Chapter PGA.”
PGA golf professionals Chris Carter (Hillview GC) and Donnie Lyons (Reedy Meadow GC and King Rail Reserve GC) nominated Sibley.
“I really love being here at Gannon, and all the people that I work with and for,” said Sibley, who’s in his 12th year at the club. “It’s truly all about them.”
Sibley praised his wife of 15 years, Cecelia. He’s aware of the commitment it takes living “the life of a golf pro’s wife.
“It can be challenging at times and not very glamorous when every weekend is spent at work,” Sibley said. “You can miss a lot if you are not careful.”
For the Maine native who has referred to himself as “a New Englander from the beginning,” it’s been a long journey since becoming a student of the game at age 14. Sibley, 52, has been at many places during his 25-year career.
He was head PGA pro at Wild Wing Plantation in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and also worked at the Pinehurst Resort in the Carolinas. He has also spent time at The Cohasset GC, The Harmon Club, Wentworth Hills, Ipswich CC, and Beverly Golf & Tennis Club.
In a letter to chapter members, New England PGA Massachusetts Chapter president Peter Hulbert nearly ran out of superlatives describing Sibley.
“David’s commitment to his facility, his members, and our chapter is truly remarkable. As the head professional at Gannon, David has worked tirelessly to ensure that every golfer, whether a public guest or a seasonal member, feels part of the Gannon family,” Hulbert said. “His philosophy centers on providing the best possible experience every day — navigating the unique challenges of a busy municipal course with professionalism, leadership, and an unwavering passion for the game.”
Sibley runs the Summer Junior Golf Clinic for children in Lynn, and led a Lynn elementary school introduction-to-golf series.
“Perhaps the greatest testament to David’s impact is the deep respect he has earned from his peers, staff, and members,” Hulbert said. “Whether mentoring young professionals, fostering community engagement, or setting an example through his service, he embodies what it means to be a golf professional of the year.”
Jason Newhall of the Gannon Building Association, which oversees business and activities of the clubhouse, said Sibley is “always around” and worked hard to get where he is.
“He’s done quite well. He kept the junior program running and it’s a tough job,” Newhall said. “It’s every day, 10-12 hours a day, and he’s handled it very well. For all of those guys to vote him in as Pro of the Year, it’s quite the honor.”
When asked to name his favorite part of the job, Sibley answered immediately.
“The sense of community,” he said. “It’s a whole other family. Like any family, it’s not always perfect. You get what you put into it. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
