LYNN — David Sibley, head PGA professional at Gannon Municipal Golf Course for the last 12 years, died Thursday at age 54 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was diagnosed in 2021.
A Maine native, Sibley referred to himself as “a New Englander from the beginning.” He became a student of golf at age 14.
He was head PGA pro at Wild Wing Plantation in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and also worked at the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. He also spent time at The Cohasset GC, The Harmon Club, Wentworth Hills, Ipswich CC, and Beverly Golf & Tennis Club.
Through operations, merchandising, event planning, and countless hours, Sibley was named 2025 Golf Professional of the Year by the Massachusetts Chapter of the New England PGA. He was a member of the board and a past president.
“I really love being here at Gannon and all the people that I work with and for,” Sibley said earlier this year. “It’s truly all about them.”
Sibley ran the Summer Junior Golf Clinic for children in Lynn and led a Lynn elementary school introduction-to-golf series.
Steve Murphy spent 40 years as Gannon’s superintendent and is the co-owner (with Chris Carter) of Golf Facilities Management Inc. — the company that manages Gannon. He played golf with Sibley about a month ago.
“He was looking good and played pretty well. He was a great guy, a good player and businessman, and a very good friend,” Murphy said. “He ran a nice tight ship and was great for Gannon.”
Carter said Sibley was a wonderful person, friend, and professional.
“He fought a courageous battle right to the end . . . very highly-regarded by his peers,” Carter said. “He filled some really big shoes for us after Mike Foster left 12 years ago. He loved the game and was passionate about it — whether it was men, women, juniors, or seniors. He did an amazing job and will be greatly missed.”
Gannon Men’s Inner Club President Bob Cross, a member for more than 25 years, worked with Sibley throughout summers to manage tournaments.
“We always found common ground — no matter the situation. Beyond our friendship, it was always about respect and the importance of golf itself,” Cross said. “Watching him with his daily efforts and long hours — rain or shine — David was always there. He was kind and respectful to everyone.”
Ladies Inner Club President Patty Roderick, a 20-year member who has been playing at Gannon for 40 years, always respected Sibley’s willingness to help.
“He was wonderful to the women and did everything to help us,” Roderick said. “He was such a great guy and an advocate for women, which we all loved about him.”
Jason Newhall of the Gannon Building Association, which oversees business and activities of the clubhouse, said Sibley became an “immediate part” of his family.
“Dave was nothing but great all along. Even when he was sick, he was very upbeat, good to everyone, fair, and we were lucky to have him.”
Newhall’s son, Shea, a St. Mary’s graduate who is on the golf team at Methodist University in North Carolina (Sibley’s alma mater), said Sibley was a mentor.
“I’ve known him my whole life up at Gannon. He taught me what’s right, what’s wrong, and to respect the game. The game will treat you how you respect it,” Shea Newhall said.
“Dave was the consummate golf professional,” NEPGA Executive Director/CEO Mike Higgins said. “He served PGA professionals. He grew the game and positively impacted many lives. New England golf has lost a great golf professional. Though he will be missed, he will not be forgotten.”
Joey Barrett is the Daily Item’s Sports Editor. He reports on local high schools, colleges, and professional teams. Prior to his current position, he worked for UMass Athletics, the Cape Cod Baseball League, and Gannett Media, among others. Barrett was also Sports Editor at Endicott College and treasurer of Endicott’s Society of Professional Journalists branch.
Anne Marie Tobin is a sports reporter for the Item and sports editor of the Lynnfield and weeklies. She also serves as the associate editor of North Shore Golf magazine. Anne Marie joined the Weekly News staff in 2014 and Essex Media Group in 2016. A seven-time Massachusetts state amateur women’s golf champion and member of the Massachusetts Golf Association Hall of Fame, Tobin is graduate of Mount Holyoke College and Suffolk University Law School. She practiced law for 30 years before becoming a sports reporter. Follow her on Twitter at: @WeeklyNewsNow.