Instructors

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Alex Fernandez is the founder, owner, and director of instruction at Crandon Golf Academy. With more than 25 years of experience in the golf industry, he has served as a PGA Professional, professional golfer, collegiate head men’s golf coach, golf course general manager, and professional tour caddie.

Since founding Crandon Golf Academy in 2006, Alex has developed and led golf instruction and player-development programs at several Miami-Dade County golf facilities, including Crandon Golf Course, Palmetto Golf Course, and Country Club of Miami. He currently oversees the academy’s operations at Crandon Golf Course and Palmetto Golf Course, providing professional instruction and programming for juniors and adults of all ages and skill levels.

Junior golf and player development have been central to Alex’s career. He served as Junior Golf Chair for the PGA Southern Chapter from 2018 through 2023. His contributions to player development have been recognized with the 2022 South Florida PGA Section Youth Player Development Award and the 2021 PGA Southern Chapter Player Development Award. His PGA Junior League programs also earned PGA Game Changer recognition in four consecutive years—2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024—including recognition as a Nationally Acclaimed Program.

Before founding Crandon Golf Academy, Alex competed professionally on the Tour de las Americas and other professional tours. He later served as head men’s golf coach at St. Thomas University, leading the program to conference championships and multiple appearances in the NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship while earning Coach of the Year honors.

His professional background also includes serving as general manager of the 36-hole Country Club of Miami and working as a professional caddie on the LPGA Tour for major champion Cristie Kerr.

Alex graduated from Barry University, where he was a four-year member of the men’s golf team, and later earned a Master of Science in Sports Administration from St. Thomas University.

For nearly two decades, Alex has built Crandon Golf Academy on a foundation of professional instruction, junior golf development, community involvement, and a commitment to growing the game throughout South Florida.

Career Highlights: 

● PGA of America Member

● Owner & Director of Instruction, Crandon Golf Academy since 2006

● U.S. Kids Golf Certified Instructor – 2026

● 2022 South Florida PGA Section Youth Player Development Award

● 2021 PGA Southern Chapter Player Development Award

● PGA Junior League Game Changer recognition, 2021–2024

● PGA Southern Chapter Junior Golf Chair, 2018–2023

● Former Head Men’s Golf Coach, St. Thomas University

● Conference Championship and Coach of the Year honors

● Multiple NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship appearances

● Former professional golfer – Tour de las Americas and other professional tours

● LPGA Tour caddie for major champion Cristie Kerr

● Former General Manager, Country Club of Miami

● M.S. Sports Administration – St. Thomas University

● B.S. Criminology – Barry University

Charlie is a dedicated teaching professional at Crandon Golf Academy and a passionate golf professional with extensive experience in the golf business. During the summer months, he serves as Director of Golf at Horseshoe Farms in Culver, Indiana, where he oversees golf operations and creates memorable experiences for members and guests.

Teaching is at the heart of Charlie’s professional life. He believes great instruction goes beyond technique—it builds confidence, simplifies the game, and helps each player achieve personal goals. Charlie enjoys working with golfers of all skill levels and takes pride in making the game more enjoyable and accessible.

He recently became specialized in Teaching & Coaching by the PGA of America, further strengthening his ability to provide effective, individualized instruction. His passion is sharing the game, developing golfers, and inspiring a lifelong love of golf.