Carl Alexander’s philosophy as a PGA of America Golf Professional is to emulate “Pay It Forward,” the inspirational 2000 film. “I have tried to pay it forward my entire career,” says Alexander, PGA, the Director of Golf at The Golf Club of Purchase (New York), and the recipient of the PGA of America’s 2026 Bill Strausbaugh Award.
“The game of golf has provided me with an amazing life and business. I recognize there is no greater impact one can have than to mentor fellow professionals, as others have done to me. I want to leave this game and this profession better than I found it.”
Alexander has been making the game better for more than three decades, starting when he was Lead Instructor at the Grand Cypress Academy of Golf in Orlando. Then as the Director of Instruction at Pine Hollow Country Club on Long Island, before becoming the Head Professional at Glen- Arbor Golf Club in Bedford, New York, and now the Director of Golf at The Golf Club of Purchase — in his hometown — where his impact has been felt throughout the Metropolitan PGA Section.
Alexander’s original goal was to play golf for a living. He grew up playing at Westchester Country Club, where he won both the junior and the men’s club championships, and set a course record of 62 on the South Course. His game never left him — in fact, in 2016, he earned the Metropolitan PGA Section’s Senior Player of the Year Award – but his focus changed from lowering his scores to helping newcomers do the same on the practice tee.
“I started playing golf when I was 6 and it came easy to me. It’s not as easy for people who start playing the game when they’re 55,” says Alexander, who received the PGA of America Professional Development Award in 2012.
He knew he wanted to become a PGA Professional when he was working at Grand Cypress and went to dinner with his future wife and a friend, who were both in pharmaceutical sales. “They were both complaining about their day, having to wait hours to talk to doctors, and I’m thinking about how much fun I had that day teaching,” he recalls.
Alexander has helped many students and fellow PGA of America Members reach their dreams (such as Rob Labritz qualifying for the PGA Tour Champions) while coaching celebrities and athletes such as Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas, Cam Neely and Andy Pettitte. He has also instructed former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Among Alexander’s many suggestions to his assistants is to dress for success, being fit, attending local events and meetings and taking advantage of every educational opportunity. Due to his father Jules’ career as a famous commercial and fashion photographer known for his iconic golf photography, Carl helps those he mentors understand the importance of looking good on camera and video.
Recently, Alexander was featured in a YouTube video called “Everything a Golf Pro ACTUALLY Does in a Day” that had 16,000 views in its first week. He says you should always conduct yourself as if others are watching.
“I believe when you wear the PGA logo or your club logo, you are a representative of an important group and must take this responsibility seriously,” Alexander says. “That involves dressing impeccably and always acting professionally. Whether you are in a tournament at another club or at a local restaurant, you are representing your club and the PGA.”
The 59-year-old requires his staff to stay on top of the news, especially golf news, so they can engage members in meaningful conversations. This allows them to look educated while strengthening their bond with the members, and makes them better equipped for job interviews.
Alexander never met Bill Strausbaugh, but he will now have a connection forever.
“I’m completely humbled and honored by this award,” he explains. “It takes a team to be successful as a PGA of America Professional. It’s difficult to accomplish anything worthwhile on your own.” —Craig Dolch
