Meet the neighbors with the most unique view of the PGA Championship
Meet the Neighbors with the Most Unique View of the PGA Championship
Meet the neighbors with the most – Nestled in the heart of Newtown Square, a suburban community that has undergone significant transformation over the years, stands a house that defies conventional design. Built in 1961 by Doug Siberski’s father, Stanley, this peculiar home has become a local landmark. Stanley, once the sole dentist in the area, had a knack for blending functionality with whimsy, crafting a residence that mirrors his own personality. Known for his love of country music, he often serenaded patients with songs by Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, a habit that may have influenced the house’s unconventional charm.
A Quirky Home in a Changing Neighborhood
As the socioeconomic landscape of Newtown Square evolved, the house’s distinctive features became even more striking. Its quirky design, once a simple marvel, now stands out against the backdrop of modern, cookie-cutter homes. Doug Siberski, who inherited the property after his mother Regina and father Stanley passed away, has vowed to preserve its unique character. His determination has kept the home from being sold, despite neighbors offering to buy it in exchange for a song—though Doug insists he’s already got his share of melodies from the nearby golf course.
The house’s location is its most remarkable trait. Its backyard borders the first fairway of Aronomink Golf Club, a fact that has made it the epicenter of golf enthusiasts in the area. This week, the PGA Championship is being held at the club, transforming the neighborhood into a hub of excitement. Siberski and his neighbors have turned their yards into private viewing areas, creating an atmosphere that rivals the grandeur of the tournament itself.
The Backyard Backdrop
To enhance their viewing experience, the residents of Boulder Creek Lane collaborated to rent platforms and scaffolding that rise above the eight-foot fence erected by the PGA. This arrangement grants them an unobstructed perspective of the entire first hole and beyond. “The last time this event was here, it was 1962,” Siberski shared, reflecting on a shared memory with his sister. Now, the same sense of community is being revived, as they gather to witness the championship once again.
Doug’s yard offers a dual vantage point, thanks to a makeshift setup involving Home Depot scaffolding and steps. He added a plywood ramp for easy access, all while keeping the aesthetic intentionally rustic. “I have to keep it a little redneck,” he joked, placing an American flag at the edge of the platform to mark the spot. The shaded view from this vantage point is perfect for watching the tee and fairway, but the family’s ingenuity doesn’t stop there.
Pat Corcoran, Doug’s nephew, has a personal connection to the golf course, standing atop a ladder to get a closer look. The ladder, he notes, may have been part of the original house’s structure. Meanwhile, his friends Joe Spence and business partners Theresa Supe and Dietmar Freyhammer took advantage of a Dodge Ram 2500 truck, parked precisely against the fence. Supe, from Germany, and Freyhammer, from Austria, saw the event as an opportunity for both business and leisure. “I’m more of a golf addict than him,” Freyhammer quipped, highlighting the shared enthusiasm for the sport among the neighbors.
Neighbors’ Unique Perspective
Jim and Eileen Hageney, longtime members of Aronomink Golf Club, recently moved into the neighborhood. Their daughter’s upcoming wedding at the club adds a personal layer to their appreciation for the course. However, the couple’s recent renovation of their Boulder Creek Lane home has left some work still in progress. On Friday morning, workers were still navigating the space, and even the scaffolding used for rebuilding the chimney became an impromptu viewing platform.
Despite the chaos of renovations, the Hageney family embraced the opportunity to watch the tournament from their own backyard. They joined forces with three other families to rent the platforms, which cost approximately $2,000 collectively. Their setup is slightly more sophisticated than Doug’s, featuring handrails and stairs for added comfort. A “Quiet Please” sign at the entrance serves as a gentle reminder to fellow spectators about the tournament’s presence beyond their walls.
Their efforts to maintain privacy and exclusivity are evident in the “Private – By Invite Only” sign attached to a dumpster. This clever detail ensures that only those who share the same enthusiasm for the PGA Championship can partake in the experience. The setup has created a sense of camaraderie among the residents, who are now part of a unique community of golf fans.
The Magic of the PGA Championship
As the event unfolded, the neighborhood transformed into a live entertainment venue. Spectators, including Tommy Fleetwood and his caddie, walked beneath the platforms, their presence a testament to the tournament’s draw. The crowd’s size often signals the arrival of a well-known player, a detail that Hageney found fascinating. “You can tell by the size of the crowd when someone more well-known is about to play,” he observed, capturing the excitement that permeates the area.
For Doug, the PGA Championship is more than just a spectator event. Though he’s not a club member, he’s embraced the spirit of the tournament. His humor shines through as he jokes about his golfing skills, admitting to a 12 handicap. “I beat a ball around the course,” he said, “and I have a 12 handicap, which means I bring 12 balls and lose them all.” Yet, his love for the event is genuine, and he’s happy to be part of the festivities.
The combination of the house’s unique location and the neighbors’ creativity has created an unforgettable experience. The platforms and scaffolding, while modest in design, offer a front-row seat to the action. The shared passion for golf has united the community, fostering a sense of belonging that extends beyond the tournament itself. As the first hole buzzes with activity, the neighborhood’s backyard has become the perfect vantage point for fans who refuse to miss a moment of the championship.
From the initial setup by Doug to the collaborative efforts of the Hageney family, the story of Boulder Creek Lane is one of adaptation and community. The house, with its history and quirks, has become a symbol of resilience and connection. Whether through the redneck charm of a plywood ramp or the refined elegance of a rented platform, the neighbors have found a way to enjoy the PGA Championship in a manner that is both personal and unique. Their experience is a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary views come from the most unexpected places.
