ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Jack Gibson

Jack Gibson got into golf when he was a young boy living outside of Philadelphia. His father was a caddy at a country club, and that sparked Gibson’s interest in the sport. Gibson has been playing golf for approximately 40 years and has been living on Longboat Key for five years.

What is the best part of your game?
I would say that would be putting. It used to be chipping. But as one gets older, one loses the touch. But I’m working on that with Terry (O’Hara at the Longboat Key Club). I’m in “therapy.”

Do you have a favorite club?
It used to be the 4-iron, but lately it’s the 5-iron, because I am hitting more woods than I am irons. I find, again, as you mature, you seem to depend on the woods more so than you did in the past. But, still, when I’m in trouble, I go back to the 4- or 5-iron to get out of trouble, which is often, and it seems to still be working.

Whom do you admire in the golf world?
It has always been Fred Couples. He has always been one whom I have admired. His work ethic is a little bit different than most because he has so much natural talent … he’s been able to maintain humility for the amount of talent he has.

Do you have a favorite place to play?
My favorite course would have to be the Atlantic City Country Club, in the suburbs of Atlantic City, N.J. I was a member there for 20 years. As far as a course I have played and still favor, Sea Pines, in Hilton Head, S.C., I enjoy very much, and I’ve really begun to really enjoy the island course here, which I didn’t when I first came down here.

***Watch video below for more Q&A with Jack Gibson.***

Contact Rachel S. O’Hara at [email protected]