PGA Director of Golf Heron Ridge GC & Virginia Beach National GC Recognized for Tireless Effort, Unwavering Dedication, and Exceptional Contributions to the Game of Golf
Stafford, Va. – The Middle Atlantic Section of the PGA of America (MAPGA) has honored PGA Professional Glen Pierce, the PGA Director of Golf at Heron Ridge Golf Club and Virginia Beach National Golf Club, in Virginia Beach, Va., with the prestigious President’s Award, which bestows special recognition on an individual whose tireless effort, unwavering dedication, and exceptional contributions to the game of golf result in significant benefit to the Middle Atlantic Section, its members and apprentices, and to the entire golf community.
“The MAPGA President, Andy Weissinger, personally selects the President’s Award winner to recognize an individual who has been working ‘under the radar,’ to improve our game, our industry, and our Association,” said Jon Guhl, Executive Director, Middle Atlantic PGA. “Mr. Weissinger identified PGA Member Glen Pierce for his endless support of the Section, his fellow PGA Professionals, the support of local charities, and the advancement of the game of golf.”
A lifelong resident of Virginia Beach, Pierce’s father introduced him to the game of golf at 9 years old in the field next to his childhood home. His first golf related job was at Kempsville Meadows Golf Course at the driving range.
He received his Sport & Fitness Management degree from Campbell University, where he was on the golf team from 1987-1992. He went on to become a golf professional in 1993, working at Cypress Point Country Club before moving to a role at Stumpy Lake Golf Course. Elected to PGA Membership in 1995, Pierce became Head Professional at Heron Ridge Golf Club in 1999. In 2007, he was promoted to Director of Golf at Heron Ridge Golf Club and Virginia Beach National Golf Club.
In 2006, Pierce was diagnosed with MS, an incurable disease which at the time only offered 4 different drug options to help control the symptoms of MS. Since then, he has been actively involved in the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, serving as a Board Member for the Virginia/West Virginia Chapter from 2013-2018 earning Board Member of the Year in 2016. He received Top Fundraiser for Bike MS in the chapter from 2012 through 2022.
Through time, money and research there are now over 20 drug options to help the symptoms of MS, and Pierce works tirelessly to encourage fellow MS patients to not give up, as everyday miracles are happening, and to keep working hard. He continues to work hard by staying in shape, eating healthy, and taking medications to live life to the fullest and support his family and friends in every way possible.
Pierce started his own MSGolf charity event and MSBike Team charity ride in 2008 and to date has raised $800,000 for the MS National Society/Foundation. PGA Tour Player Marc Leishman, who also lives in Virginia Beach, has held his annual fundraisers at Virginia Beach National GC with Pierce for several years. 2022 was the most successful fundraising event to date with a net total of $650,000 raised.
Pierce has been married to his wife Jennifer since 2000 and they share two children; Claire (18) and Grace (15).
For more information on the Middle Atlantic PGA, visit www.mapga.com.
