David Glenz

(Class of 2022)

David Glenz, one of the best-known players in New Jersey golf history, was a perennial championship contender through the 1980s and 90s. His phenomenal career is highlighted by four New Jersey Open titles in 1984, ‘86, ‘88 and ’90, two Met Open Championships (1978, ’86), and two NJPGA Section Championships (1985, ’86). Glenz is a four-time NJPGA Player of the Year (1985-’88) and was named the NJPGA Player of the Decade for the 1980s. His four NJSGA Open victories place Glenz among an exclusive club; only he, Babe Lichardus and Ed Whitman are four-time champions. He is also an inductee of the NJPGA Hall of Fame Class of 1991.

Glenz grew up in Oregon and excelled on the golf team at the University of Oregon where he was voted to the 2nd Team All-America. Following graduation in 1971, Glenz qualified for the PGA Tour and went on to a six-year Tour career. Thereafter, Glenz trekked East to become a teaching professional, first at Winged Foot Golf Club in Westchester, New York before settling at Morris County Golf Club in 1981 as their head golf professional.

Glenz’s distinguished career extends beyond his outstanding playing record; he is long considered one of the foremost teachers. In 1991, Glenz established The David Glenz Golf Academy at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg. There, Glenz went on to mentor three-time NJSGA Open Champion Tyler Hall, former LPGA players Laurie Rinker and Kendra Little, Canadian Tour player Jesse Smith, and many more. During his time at Morris County Golf Club, Glenz is credited for mentoring his 2022 NJSGA Hall of Fame classmate, Karen Noble, during her formative years. Additionally, Glenz was also honored as New Jersey Teacher of the Year eight times and in 1998, the PGA of America honored him with the National PGA Teacher of the Year award.

In 2010, Black Oak Golf Club, a private club designed by Glenz, opened in Long Valley (in Morris County). Along with the club’s opening, Glenz’s renowned golf academy relocated to Black Oak, and later to Florida, where Glenz continues to actively teach.