Boulder Creek Lane’s Unconventional PGA Viewing Experience
Meet the neighbors with the most – When Doug Siberski spent his childhood on Boulder Creek Lane, the home his father constructed in 1961 was a standout in a neighborhood that has since evolved into a hub of suburban affluence. The house, a testament to its builder’s eccentricity, has always been an unusual sight, particularly as the surrounding streets have transformed into more modern enclaves. Its charm lies not just in its design but in its proximity to the first hole of Aronomink Golf Club, a feature that has made it the envy of many in the area. For years, the property’s backyard shared a boundary with the golf course, a fact that has only grown more significant with the arrival of the PGA Championship.
The Siberski home’s quirks extend beyond its architectural uniqueness. Stanley Siberski, Doug’s father, was a dentist who served as the sole practitioner in Newtown Square for decades. Known for his love of country music, he often entertained patients with songs by Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty. This passion for music and unconventional living has left a legacy in the house itself, which remains a character-filled relic in an increasingly homogenized neighborhood. Even as the streets around it have embraced sleek, contemporary designs, the Siberski home stands as a defiantly old-school anomaly, a kind of living museum of mid-century charm.
Doug, now the sole inhabitant, has made it his mission to preserve the property’s history. After his mother Regina and father Stanley passed away, he inherited the house, vowing to keep it within the family. This commitment has not gone unnoticed by his neighbors, some of whom have offered to buy the home if Doug decides to sell. In return, they’ve promised to serenade him with songs, a gesture that underscores the close-knit community’s appreciation for the unique character of the Siberski house.
A Backyard with a Golf Course View
What makes the Siberski home extraordinary is its strategic location. The backyard not only borders the fairway of Aronomink’s first hole but also offers a rare vantage point for PGA Championship spectators. This week, as the tournament makes its return to the club after a 64-year hiatus, the house has become the epicenter of an impromptu viewing phenomenon. The Siberski family, alongside other residents of Boulder Creek Lane, has turned their backyards into private party spaces, capitalizing on the event’s popularity to host their own celebration.
The setup was inspired by a suggestion from Jai Biljani, a local neighbor with a knack for creative solutions. Biljani encouraged the Siberskis to rent platforms and scaffolding, allowing them to rise above the eight-foot fence erected by the PGA. This investment has paid off, granting a panoramic view of the entire first hole and the wider course. Doug’s yard, in particular, has been transformed into a dual-tiered viewing spot, complete with homemade scaffolding and a makeshift staircase. “I have to keep it a little redneck,” Doug joked, pointing to the plywood steps and yellow paint that still bear the marks of Home Depot.
The family’s ingenuity extends to their use of a vintage ladder, which Doug’s nephew Pat Corcoran recently employed to watch the action from a higher perch. Corcoran noted that the ladder, though seemingly outdated, came with the house—a nod to its enduring appeal. Meanwhile, Doug’s business partners Joe Spence, Theresa Supe, and Dietmar Freyhammer have taken to the back of a Dodge Ram 2500 truck, positioned perfectly to catch the tournament’s highlights. Supe, from Germany, and Freyhammer, from Austria, admitted that their decision to rent the platforms was driven by both business and a shared love of golf. “I’m more of a golf addict than him,” Freyhammer quipped, highlighting the camaraderie among the neighbors.
Despite his lack of membership at Aronomink, Doug has embraced the tournament with enthusiasm. “I beat a ball around the course,” he said with a laugh, explaining his self-proclaimed 12 handicap. “That means I bring 12 balls and lose them all.” Yet, the PGA Championship has clearly ignited a sense of community, turning the Siberski home into a focal point for shared excitement. The idea of hosting a viewing party has become a tradition, with neighbors collaborating to create an experience that feels both personal and grand.
The Hageney Family’s Hidden Gem
While Doug’s setup is a mix of DIY flair and humor, the Hageney family has taken a more refined approach. Jim and Eileen Hageney, new residents of Boulder Creek Lane, recently purchased their home but are still in the process of completing renovations. The property, now under construction, has become an unexpected haven for PGA fans. Workers navigating the unfinished space on Friday morning found themselves inadvertently in the thick of the action, using the same scaffolding that had been set up for the tournament to take a break.
As longtime members of Aronomink, the Hageney family has access to exclusive viewing areas on the course itself. However, their backyard setup—complete with a “Quiet Please” sign at the top of the platforms—has made it their preferred spot. “It’s pretty amazing,” Eileen said, reflecting on the experience. “You can tell by the size of the crowd when someone more well-known is about to play.” The family’s dedication to maintaining privacy during the event is evident, as they’ve also installed a “Private – By Invite Only” sign on one of their dumpsters, a practical touch for managing the influx of visitors.
Although the Hageney family’s renovations are not yet complete, their participation in the PGA viewing experience has already made an impact. Their platforms, slightly more elaborate than Doug’s, feature handrails and stairs, offering a polished alternative to the makeshift setups. The collaboration among the neighbors has turned the house into a gathering place, where the lines between personal space and shared enthusiasm blur. As the tournament progresses, the community continues to thrive, with each family contributing their own twist to the celebration.
The Siberskis’ decision to stay in the house has created a ripple effect, inspiring others to embrace the unique opportunity it presents. While the PGA Championship is a global event, its presence in Newtown Square has transformed a single house into a symbol of local pride and camaraderie. The combination of history, ingenuity, and community spirit makes Boulder Creek Lane a neighborhood unlike any other, where the thrill of the game meets the charm of everyday life. As Tommy Fleetwood and his caddie ambled past the platforms on Friday, the scene was a testament to the shared joy of the moment—a celebration that feels as much a part of the house as the wood and brick that built it.
