ADVOCACY OFF THE COURSE
Virginia Beach professional Glen Pierce ’ s fundraising efforts for the MS Society earns him a high honor
by ARTHUR UTLEY
MIDDLE ATLANTIC PGA SECTION ; COURTEST OF GLEN PIERCEEVERY YEAR SINCE 1987 , the Middle Atlantic PGA section president handpicks the recipient of the organization ’ s President ’ s Award .
The recognition celebrates 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 the entire golf community .”
Those words are an apt description of the 2022 award receiver , PGA professional Glen Pierce — director of golf at Heron Ridge Golf Club and Virginia Beach National Golf Club in Virginia Beach — who performs both jobs dutifully despite having dealt with the effects of multiple sclerosis ( MS ) for the last 16 years .
“ I had never won an award through the PGA before , so it felt like it had to do something with my fundraising and activism for the MS Society , and the money we have raised for that . It was exciting ,” Pierce said . “ Anything I can do that brings attention to the MS Society or raising money or awareness is a good thing .”
“ I have never really shied away from not telling people what I ’ ve been dealing with . Some people keep it very private when they are diagnosed with something like that . I ’ ve always kind of worn it as a badge of honor to try and raise money to come up with treatments to end it one day ,” he said .
vsga . org J ULY / A UGUST 2023 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 23