Middle Atlantic's Weissinger named recipient of 2009 Patriot Award

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- Andy Weissinger, PGA head professional at The Pines Golf Course in Fort Eustis, Va., was presented to PGA of America membership today as the recipient of the 2009 Patriot Award.

The award originated in 2008 following the inspiration of Patriot Golf Day founder Major Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional from Broken Arrow, Okla. It is presented by The PGA of America to PGA Professionals who personify patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrate unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.

Weissinger, 32, who was elected to PGA membership in 2001, was honored at the 93rd PGA Annual Meeting at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in New Orleans, La.

At its Annual Meeting, The PGA also honored the Midwest PGA Section as this year's recipient of the Herb Graffis Award for exemplary contributions in Player Development.

"Our 2009 award winners reflect the best of our Association," said PGA of America President Jim Remy. "The recipients have each left an impact upon the game long before they were designated for this past year's accomplishments. By their example in benefiting the lives of others, working with their members and inspiring both juniors and young professionals they have made us very proud to say that PGA Professionals are the experts in the game and the business of golf."

Weissinger, the recipient of the Middle Atlantic PGA President's Plaque for outstanding contributions in player development, has created a wide-ranging schedule of programs over the past six seasons at The Pines Golf Course at Fort Eustis.

In 2007, his success was recognized by the U.S. Army, which selected him to coach its men's and women's golf teams. His innovative programs at Fort Eustis incorporate enlisted soldiers and their families, and the wide-ranging choices of events and programs include: "reintegration clinics" for those service men and women returning from duty; Wounded Warrior golf; a new player mentor program; junior and women's clinics; Couples Golf; a Summer Skills Challenge; "Friday Afternoon Beat the Pro" event; P.T. for Active Duty Soldiers, which has attracted some 100 participants this year; and a pilot fitness program focusing on "speed golf," in conjunction with the Fort Eustis Sports Department.

"Whether or not a person has played golf before, our efforts have been to find a way to help everyone enjoy the game," said Weissinger. "From the very beginning, golf was an outlet for me to get away from things. I can see the same release and feeling of enjoyment for the young enlisted soldiers to the officers who just want to be one of the guys out playing golf and having fun. The opportunity I have to work with these soldiers and their families is so rewarding, and I get energy from seeing them playing the game.

"I remember one soldier who had suffered several strokes, and to see him so excited to be able to hit the ball again was amazing. We have therapists who have worked with the soldiers and they are welcome to be on our range. Their work has helped me learn so much about what we can do in adaptive golf."

Born in Norfolk, Va., Weissinger began playing golf at age 10, when his father, George, drove by a course on a vacation to Cape Cod, Mass, and they stopped for a nine-hole round. Weissinger gradually developed his skills in the game and played two years for the golf team at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. He graduated in 1998 and turned professional.

His first professional position was as an assistant at Ivy Hill Golf Club in Lynchburg (1997-99), and later spent two seasons in a similar post at Chesapeake (Va..) Golf Club. He was offered the PGA head professional position at Lake Wright Golf Course in Norfolk in 2001, where he spent a half-season and gained valuable experience before being named to a new post at Honey Bee Golf Club in Virginia Beach, Va. He would remain there for 2½ years before arriving at The Pines Golf Course at Fort Eustis.