GibbieKay Cain To Attend IMG Academy To Pursue Her Golf Dreams

Like many aspiring young golfers, GibbieKay Cain has benefited from the years of wisdom and instruction imparted by a doting grandfather who also shares a passion for the sport. But unlike others, Cain has enjoyed the distinct advantage of being granddaughter to a legendary golfer who compiled a hall of fame career.

Cain’s grandfather is Gibby Gilbert, a Chattanooga native who went on to win three times on the PGA TOUR and added another six victories on what is known today as PGA TOUR Champions. The 84-year-old Gilbert competed in 893 events between both tours, earning more than $5.6 million over his career that included 17 runner-up finishes including the 1980 Masters Tournament.

Gilbert has been a consistent presence in Cain’s development, helping her craft her skills as a rising star within girls’ junior golf. But now the 16-year-old has decided it’s time to take the next step in advancing her game, following a similar path forged by her grandfather as he embarked upon his illustrious career.

Cain has been accepted into IMG Academy’s Girls Golf Program in Bradenton, Fla. beginning this August, where she will be entering the 10^th grade after previously attending Boyd-Buchanan School. IMG Academy mirrors a collegiate program so that student-athletes can identify a clear pathway to achieve their ultimate goals while focusing on areas such as planning and preparation, commitment, mental and physical toughness, and complete personal and athletic development.

Gilbert also departed Chattanooga for Florida when it was time to further hone his craft after playing a year at the University of Chattanooga. He turned professional four years later in 1965 before joining the PGA TOUR in 1967.

“I’m really excited for this opportunity,” Cain said. “We decided that it’d be a good idea that I go to IMG because they have good weather all year round and they have lots of opportunities with multiple coaches for me to reach my potential in golf.”

With unparalleled practice facilities and a roster of esteemed instructors, approximately 50 girls and 150 boys attend IMG’s golf academy. The school completes educational instruction by 11:30 each day, allowing ample time for golf training and development.

IMG has placed over 45 girls golf student-athletes in college over the past five years, and the program has produced 14 USGA Champions and ten Rolex Player of the Year winners including 2024 honoree Nelly Korda.

“I’m hoping this will help prepare me to play for a good college and maybe go pro one day,” Cain said. “Everything is there to help me become a great golfer, including the mental coaches and conditioning trainers.”

Cain will be competing among the premier junior golfers in the country at IMG, but it is a challenge that she’s ready to accept.

“That just makes me want to work harder,” Cain said. “Seeing that they're exactly like me makes me want to be better than them.”

However, Cain’s decision to head to the Sunshine State is not without its sacrifices. In addition to leaving behind friends, she will most miss her regular interactions with her grandfather.

“It’s sad to be leaving my Papaw,” Cain said. “It will be hard for both of us because I won't get to play with him every day.”

GibbieKay is the daughter of Melissa and Josh Cain. Her father was a two-time All-American linebacker at UTC in 2001-02 and a fellow member of the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame with his father-in-law. Gilbert is also enshrined in both the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame.

“It's probably harder on me than it is for GibbieKay,” Melissa said. “But we've had a lot of time to mentally prepare ourselves. She was going to college eventually. We’re just fast tracking it three years in advance. This decision affects our entire family, but we really felt like the positives far outweigh the negatives.”

After touring the IMG campus and facilities, the Cains were blown away by what they encountered.

“The whole time we toured - and we took my dad down there - I kept saying, ‘Tell me something you don't like about it. Find something negative,’” Melissa said. “We actually talked to Mike McGee, who’s married to Annika Sorenstam, to find out more because Annika’s sister is one of the women’s golf coaches at IMG. But we couldn’t find a good reason why GibbieKay shouldn’t pursue this.”

With the opportunity for GibbieKay to chase her dream to become a professional golfer like her grandfather, the Cain family will surely be taking advantage of the non-stop flights between Chattanooga and Punta Gorda, which is an hour from Bradenton.

“It’s a hard decision, but we’ve got to think about what’s best for GibbieKay,” Melissa said. “We’re all going to be heartbroken not having her around every day, but I’m sure we’ll be down there all the time watching her in tournaments.”

Paul Payne can be emailed at paulpayne6249@gmail.com