Gibby Gilbert


C. L. "Gibby" Gilbert II is an American professional golfer. He played on the PGA Tour and Champions Tour.

Early life and amateur career

In 1941, Gilbert was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The initials C. L. do not stand for anything. Gilbert's father started him in golf at the age of 13. He is a 1959 graduate of Chattanooga Central High School. Gilbert also attended the University of Chattanooga.

Professional career

In 1965, Gilbert turned professional. In 1966, he took a job at Hillcrest Country Club in Hollywood, Florida.
Gilbert had success at 1967 PGA Tour Qualifying School. However, Gilbert played on the PGA Tour for three years during the 1960s but did not have much success. In late 1969, he returned to Hillcrest CC, permanently now as assistant professional.
In the early 1970s, Gilbert returned to the PGA Tour. He had dozens of top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour and three victories. His first win came at the 1970 Houston Champions International, his second win was at the 1976 Danny Thomas Memphis Classic, and his third win was at the 1977 Walt Disney World National Team Championship.
Gilbert's best finish at a major was a T-2 at the 1980 Masters, when he and Jack Newton finished four strokes behind the champion, Seve Ballesteros.
Gilbert was active on the Champions Tour, winning six times.
Gilbert has had a lifelong interest in helping young people develop their golf skills. Since 1973, he has made annual appearances for the Tennessee PGA's Junior Golf Academy at Fall Creek Falls.

Personal life

Gilbert lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is married to Judy. Gilbert's son, Gibby III, is a professional golfer.

Awards and honors

PGA Tour wins (3)

PGA Tour playoff record
No.YearTournamentOpponentResult
11970Houston Champions International

Other wins (9)

Senior PGA Tour playoff record
No.YearTournamentOpponentResult
11991First of America Classic|1928

Other senior wins (2)

Tournament1970197119721973197419751976197719781979
Masters Tournament45T38CUT
U.S. OpenT47CUTT45
PGA ChampionshipT55T6CUTT18T39T17T34CUTT5

Note: Gilbert never played in The Open Championship.

CUT = missed the half-way cut

"T" indicates a tie for a place

Summary

  • Most consecutive cuts made – 6
  • Longest streak of top-10s – 2

    U.S. national team appearances

  • PGA Cup: 1988