ELMSFORD, N.Y. (January 23, 2026) – The PGA of America announced its National Awards winners this week in conjunction with the 73rd PGA Show in Orlando, Fla., with the Met Area’s Brian Crowell being named Golf Professional of the Year and Carl Alexander earning the Bill Strausbaugh Award.
Related: PGA of America Release
The Golf Professional of the Year Award is the highest honor given annually to a PGA of America golf professional. Crowell, the President of Bally’s Golf and General Manager of Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point in the Bronx, has been a PGA member since 1994. His dedication to the game has been unwavering, having served as a member or chair of 55 Section and 11 national committees through the year.
Crowell champions the game for all, bringing the APGA Tour to the Bronx for the first time in 2024, providing golf access for local scholastic teams, hosting clinics for various organizations including the MGA, and coaching and hosting for Met PGA HOPE and PGA Jr. League.
He also contributes widely to golf media, serving as a broadcaster for CBS and as a longtime host on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio. He has covered 14 PGA Championships and 15 Masters Tournaments and has also authored four golf books.
The Bill Strausbaugh Award honors a PGA of America Golf Professional who demonstrates exceptional character, integrity, and leadership through teaching and mentoring other PGA of America golf professionals. Alexander, the 20-year head professional at The Golf Club of Purchase in Purchase, N.Y., has served in nearly every governance role for the Metropolitan PGA Section.
Throughout his career, Alexander has mentored dozens of PGA Professionals, many of whom have advanced to head professional and leadership roles at top facilities. He is known for his hands-on approach, preparing assistants for interviews, encouraging lifelong learning and fostering a culture of professionalism and service. In addition to his passion for mentoring fellow PGA Professionals, Alexander is an award-winning instructor and coaches Rob Labritz, PGA, on the Champions TOUR.
The formal National Awards ceremony is scheduled for November during the 110th PGA of America Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada.
