Daryl & Derek Crawford Honored with the Southwest PGA PING Anser Award

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - October 6, 2025 – Daryl and Derek Crawford have been named the 33rd recipients of the Southwest PGA PING Anser Award, recognizing individuals whose positive efforts have influenced the history of the game in Arizona. The Crawfords will be honored during the Southwest PGA Semi-Annual Meeting on October 20 at Talking Stick Golf Club in Scottsdale.

"Daryl and Derek’s passion for the game and their steadfast dedication to making golf more inclusive and impactful truly embodies the essence of the Southwest PGA PING Anser Award," said Le Ann Finger, President of the Southwest PGA. "Their leadership and commitment has inspired countless individuals both on and off the course. We are honored to recognize their outstanding contributions to the game and our community."

Born and raised in Phoenix, Daryl Crawford has devoted over 40 years to the game, evolving from a junior golfer at local courses like Encanto and Maryvale to a respected leader in both golf operations and golf manufacturing.

After playing collegiate golf at Phoenix College and Arizona State University, Daryl turned professional in 1981. His early career saw him rise through the ranks at Orange Tree Golf Club and later Alta Mesa Golf Club, before shifting to daily fee operations at Stonecreek Golf Club. In 1990, he joined PING, where he significantly impacted the brand’s presence on the European Tour and in golf apparel marketing.

Daryl later joined OB Sports, helping golf properties nationwide improve retail performance before returning to operations at Legacy Golf Club in Nevada. His leadership continued with an 11-year tenure as General Manager of ASU Karsten Golf Course, and currently, he leads operations at the iconic Papago Golf Club, home to ASU Golf and a model for municipal course excellence.

This award reflects not only Daryl’s deep industry experience but also his unwavering dedication to the game, mentorship, and the growth of golf in Arizona and beyond. His legacy continues to inspire professionals and amateurs throughout the Arizona golf community.

Derek Crawford has spent over 40 years immersed in the game, from his early days spending countless hours at local municipal courses alongside his twin brother Daryl, to shaping the sport at the highest professional and operational levels.

After playing collegiate golf at Phoenix College and Arizona State University, Derek began his professional journey in the bag room at Orange Tree Golf Resort. In 1990, he joined PING, Inc. as a PGA Tour Representative, where he worked directly with top tour professionals—custom fitting equipment, promoting the brand, and supporting player development.

Derek’s passion eventually led him back to golf course operations, where he held General Manager roles at top Phoenix-area courses, including ASU Karsten, Coldwater, and Raven Golf Club. From 2007 to 2018, Derek served as GM at ASU Karsten Golf Course, elevating it as a collegiate and community hub.

In 2024, he joined Papago Golf Club as Tournament Director, where he works alongside his brother Daryl making the facility into a model for public golf through a unique city-university-foundation partnership.

This award recognizes Derek not only for his leadership and service but for his enduring influence on Arizona golf.

In 2020, the Crawfords were honored by the Arizona Golf Association with the Dr. Ed Updegraff Award, the Association’s highest honor, given in recognition to those who, by his or her actions, exemplify the Spirit of the Game. The award is named after Dr. Ed Updegraff of Tucson, honoring his lifetime contributions and dedication to amateur golf in Arizona.

The Anser Award was created by the Southwest Section of the PGA in 1991 as a way to recognize individuals who have made significant and impactful contributions to advancing or promoting the game of golf throughout the state of Arizona.  Over the past 33 years the list of recipients has grown to include some of the most influential names in the history of golf in Arizona. Past recipients of the Southwest PGA PING Anser Award include:    
 

1991 – Karsten Solheim	2009 – George Boutell
1992 – Bob Goldwater, Sr.	2010 – Dot Straw
1993 – Bill Farkas, Sr.	2011 – Brian Whitcomb, PGA
1994 – Dr. Ed Updegraff	2012 – Tucson Conquistadores
1995 – Arch Watkins	2013 – Ron McPherson
1996 – Harry Cavannaugh	2014 – John A. Solheim
1997 – John Riggle	2015 – Tom Cunningham
1998 – Lyle Anderson	2016 – No Award
1999 – Linda Vollstedt	2017 – Dave Engelking
2000 – Bill Dickey	2018 – Tim Kloenne
2001 – The Thunderbirds	2019 – Dana Garmany
2002 – Sister Lynn Winsor	2020 – No Award (COVID-19 Pandemic)
2003 – Jay Woodward	2021 – Kathy Wilkes
2004 – Willie Low	2022 – Lou Grubb
2005 – Vernon Orrin “Red” Allen, PGA	2023 – Alice Cooper
2006 – Al Birmingham	2024 – Gregg Tryhus
2007 – Louise Solheim	2025– Daryl & Derek Crawford
2008 – Heather Farr