Photo courtesy of Becker Funeral Home, Inc. - Clermont
Clermont, Florida
Jun 26, 1960 – Apr 14, 2021 (Age 60)
Brewer, Bradley Paul, age 60, of Orlando, FL, went to be with the Lord on April, 14, 2021. Born on June 26, 1960, in Grand Forks, ND to Paul and Rita Brewer, Brad is preceded in death by his mother, Rita. He is survived by his father, Paul; children Kenna (Patrick) Millea; Carli (Ryan) Soukup, Tori and Bradley Brewer Jr. and seven grandchildren: Ella Clare, Xavier, Trey, Damien, Cora, Juliana and Lucia; siblings: Todd (Jill), Suzanne (Lance) Huwald and Michelle (Matthew) Mesenburg along with nine nieces and nephews, his significant other, Kathy Adkins and his former wife and family, Wanda, Dan and Rachel Ickes.
Brad grew up in Winona, MN, where he discovered his love for the game of golf as a young boy. He graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1978. His talents and passion for the game then took him to Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL where he completed his education in 1984 and continued to advance his game. Post-college, Brad competed professionally while beginning a long-term relationship with Arnold Palmer. As a PGA class-A professional, Brad worked for Mr. Palmer’s organizations in Hawaii, Australia and Florida. He married Wanda Wentworth in 1986, although their marriage ended after several decades they continued as business partners and special lifelong friends and parents.
In 1990 he co-founded the Arnold Palmer Golf Academies, opening multiple schools along with the first international junior golf boarding school at the Saddlebrook Academy. In 2004 Brad followed his dreams once again and founded the Brad Brewer Golf Academy at Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel and Golf Club, Orlando, FL. The program is now a Golf Magazine Top 25 Golf School.
Brad’s accolades include being a member of Golf Magazine Top 100 Teachers in America since 2008, produced programing and online content for The Golf Channel and published several national magazine articles. PGA Teacher of the Year North Florida in 2020 and 2021, inducted into both the Winona Senior High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Flagler College Athletic Hall of Fame. Brad has authored 3 books on golf and has an extensive gallery of paintings that he has created over the years.
Brad lived the life of his dreams. He did the thing he loved every day and experienced things most people can only dream of. He raised 4 amazing children, walked 2 down the aisle and loved 7 very special grandchildren.
Although he was taken from us way too early, his art, his books, his golf teaching methods and his family will live on as an incredible legacy.
Brad’s family will gather for a private service to commend him to the Lord. They ask the community to join us celebrating his life at Rosen Shingle Creek (9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819) on Saturday, April 24th at 3 pm. In tribute to Brad’s love for vibrant art, please dress in colorful attire. Friends and family are welcome to make contributions to the Orlando Health Foundation in lieu of flowers.
Read MoreBrad was a wonderful teacher, kind, watchful, empathetic, sensitive. Though it has been many years since we spent time working together it was a painful shock to hear of his passing. My heart goes out to all of his family and to Wanda, especially. He was talented and funny, athletic and strong, always a gentleman and a professional. I am so sorry for your loss.
Peggy Palmer
June 11, 2021 | Durham, NC | Coworker
I was so surprised and sorry to learn of Brad’s passing. May the creative light that shone through Brad as Brad be with you always and bring you peace.
Julie Kellum Jensen
April 24, 2021 | Bella Vista, AR | Acquaintance
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. I have many fond memories of growing up with Brad. I am proud to call him a friend. Gone too soon but never forgotten. God bless!
Dan Laak
April 24, 2021 | Watkinsville, GA | Friend
I am still in shock... it was just December 2020 I had the pleasure of spending 2 days with Brad and Wanda at the Academy! We hit it off and he was an amazing energy to be around. Gone way too soon and I know you will be missed by many around the world!
Richard Powell
April 23, 2021 | Orlando, FL | Student
Whoaaaa Brew, stunner , could have knocked me over with a feather when I saw this. Dang it! Your a good man and friend, I’ll never forget the fun we had playing ball and some golf. I enjoyed our visit to your academy and enjoyed your weekly tips in an email. So proud of you Brew. See ya soon .. Pinner
Dan Miller
April 22, 2021 | Winona, MN | Friend
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. I will always remember Brad as a very kind classy guy. He always treated everyone with respect . Even though I am an average golfer at best Brad always invited me to play with him at Bayhill an other golf courses around Orlando. Always showing his patience and kindness along the way. A true class act who left us way too soon. I know Brad was and is a very spiritual man and that he is alive and healthier than ever in Heaven.
bruce payetta
April 21, 2021 | Oakville, ON | Friend
Having played a few rounds of golf with Brew in Winona was such a pleasure. The first was a match at the CC when he was 15yrs old. It was so much fun to watch him hit the ball. I enjoyed a few trips to Orlando and see him and meet Wanda. I had one lesson from him. He was such a god teacher
Mike Gostomski
April 19, 2021 | Winona, MN | Friend
LHP Golf Camp 2020
I was truly blessed to be able to know Brad for 6 years. He and his academy have played a big role in the success of the Lake Highland Golf Program. We learned through his wisdom. I witnessed countless children from grades 2-12 find the love of golf because of The Brad Brewer Academy. It is such a gift that I get to take so many of his teachings and memories and have them live on with the future of our junior golfers. Rest well Brad, a job well done.
Bret Young
April 19, 2021 | Orlando, FL | Friend
Way too soon... So unexpectedly sudden... our prayers & condolences to you Paul and all your family, Kathy, Wanda and all your family we are blessed to have been in your lives and to count Brad as a close friend for more than 30 years. You must know he is now painting some colorful artwork and coaching all the young golfers in heaven with love & affection
Ian & Jennie Baker-Finch
April 19, 2021 | Palm Beach Gardens, FL | Friend
