Meet the Member: John Gibson, PGA
John Gibson, PGA – From Tee Times to Timberland
John Gibson, PGA Assistant Professional at Memorial Park Golf Course, grew up in Richardson, Texas, and his introduction to golf began with a seven iron in hand, tagging along with his dad at Brookhaven Country Club. What started as a father-son hobby soon blossomed into a competitive spirit that took him from the fairways of Paris Junior College to the University of Arkansas—where he found himself surrounded by future PGA TOUR champions like John Daly and Jim McGovern.
Despite being active in every sport he could, Gibson’s love for golf and competition ultimately pulled him toward the professional game. After college, he gave playing professionally a go, including a stint on the South African Tour, where he qualified for events and crossed paths with a young Ernie Els. Though he realized playing for a living wasn’t the long-term fit, the journey gave him valuable perspective.
“I didn’t think I’d last a year in the golf business,” Gibson recalls with a laugh. “Now I’m closing in on 25 years as a PGA Member.”
After a short time in the payphone business, Gibson entered the golf industry in 1995 with help from longtime friend Matt Swanson. He began at Greatwood Golf Club, then moved to Copperfield Golf Center. PGA Members Chuck Silva and Glenn Childers guided his growth, ultimately leading to his longtime role at Memorial Park Golf Course.
Seventeen years later, Gibson still thrives at Memorial Park, where the energy of the range and the heart of the community keep him coming back. “We’ve got 84 bays, and some nights, there’s a waiting list of 40 people. The people are what make it special.”
When he’s not teaching, playing in the Levy Cup matches, or mentoring others in the game, Gibson finds peace in the outdoors. He and his family own property in both Arkansas and East Texas, where they hunt, build ponds, and unwind with their dogs, two high-energy Blue Lacys. “It’s all about the process,” he says. “I love learning new things, whether it's training a dog or figuring out the best fish to stock a pond with.”
Gibson’s home life is just as full. He’s a proud husband of over 30 years, and a father to two kids: a son pursuing a firefighting career and a daughter thriving in insurance and accounting in Milwaukee.
If there's a theme that runs through Gibson’s life, it's continuous learning and authentic connection. “I like to learn something new every day,” he says. “And if you can’t be kind to people while you’re doing it, then what’s the point?”
Looking ahead, John still finds joy in the competition, teaching the game, and soaking in sunsets at his future retirement retreat, complete with a custom-built pond and plans for a back-porch Jacuzzi.
From the fairways of Arkansas to the bays of Houston’s busiest range, Gibson’s story is a testament to patience, passion, and the lifelong value of people who believe in you.
