Janice Burba Gibson

In her elementary school days, Janice enjoyed playing softball; her passion turned to golf around age 12. Her dad, Virgil Burba, introduced her to golf and spent many hours playing alongside her. He also gave her the opportunity to learn from one of the best golf instructors in the area, Jack Higgins. She played in junior tournaments in Oklahoma and was named Rolex Junior All-American in 1978 and 1979. She played on the high school boys’ team at Hale High School in Tulsa and collegiate golf at Oklahoma State University, winning three individual titles, including the Big Eight Championship in her senior year. Following graduation with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, she pursued her dream of playing professional golf. She won twice on the Future’s Mini-Tour, followed by a 12-year tenure on the LPGA Tour.

She married David Gibson in 1983; he and Janice's father, Virgil Burba, caddied for her during her playing career. God blessed Janice and David with the birth of their daughter in 1986. Janice's mother, Helen, also traveled and babysat, making it a true family affair. Janice and Dave's daughter went on to play for ORU, and their son-in-law played for OU. Janice is currently delighted in watching their grandson develop into an exceptional player.

Janice has taught golf for more than 35 years and has loved every minute of it! Her teaching career began at Broken Arrow Golf School in 1987 as she gave group and individual lessons during the LPGA Tour’s off-season. While on the tour, she helped direct and taught in LPGA clinics for large groups of juniors, and following the tour days, she partnered with former LPGA competitor/friend Stephanie Brecht, conducting clinics for ladies' golf groups at various clubs and golf courses in Oklahoma. After the closing of Broken Arrow Golf School in 2001, Janice was hired as the Program Director and lead instructor at the First Tee of Tulsa; she continues as a lead coach and serves as the Executive Director. In addition, she has continued her love of teaching by providing individual and group lessons at Mohawk Golf Course and Page Belcher Golf Course.

Golf Bio Timeline

1979-1983 Collegiate Player at Oklahoma State University

1985 Futures Mini-Tour

1986-1998 LPGA Tour Player played in 5 US Opens

1998-Present PGA Class A Member Professional

2001 Hired at First Tee Tulsa

2006 Junior Golf Leader South Central Section

2010 Women's Golf Hall of Fame Inductee

2014 Oklahoma Gol Hall of Fame Inductee

2018 South Central Section Youth Development Award-Eastern Oklahoma Chapter

2019 Tulsa Public Schools Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee

2025 South Central Section Youth Development PGA Award

LPGA Teaching and Club Professional A-2 Member

LPGA Legends Tour Member

35+ Years of Teaching Experience