Nov 02, 2024

Things You Might Not Know About Running a Golf Club with Daryl and Derek Crawford

on the course podcast tournament golf

In this episode of T-Time with Tori, we dive into the inspiring journey of identical twins Derek and Daryl. These two seasoned golf professionals have made their mark in the sport, from humble beginnings to earning a prestigious spot at the Basketball Hall of Fame Dinner. Derek Crawford is the General Manager at Raven Golf Club in Phoenix, and Daryl Crawford is the General Manager at Papago Golf Club. As Derek and Daryl reflect on their beginnings in the golf industry—from humble roles to becoming reputable experts—they reveal the importance of community, connection, and dedication in sports and life in general. Join us as we uncover how their passion for golf led to a fulfilling career intertwined with meaningful relationships.

How Derek and Daryl Were Invited to the Basketball Hall of Fame Dinner

Derek and Daryl were fortunate to be hosted by Papago, who secured a spot in the tournament, allowing them to participate in this unique golf charity event. This event was not just about golf; it was a chance to support a great cause while mingling with basketball legends and fans. Derek and Daryl played alongside two other participants from Trune, creating a memorable day filled with camaraderie and competition.

As they wrapped up their day at the event, they felt fulfilled not only from playing golf but also from contributing to a worthwhile cause. The experience reminded them of the energy of networks and how occasions like these can bring people together for a common purpose.

How Derek and Daryl Got Into the Golf Industry

I learned that Derek and Daryl started playing golf at a young age, participating in Little League activities that sparked their passion for the sport. Growing up, they dedicated themselves to honing their skills on the course, which ultimately led them to decide whether to pursue careers as professional golfers or to become golf professionals. This early commitment laid the groundwork for their successful careers in the industry. Derek emphasized that getting into the golf business is often driven by a genuine love for the game.

As I listened to Derek and Daryl's tales, it became clear that their journey was about playing golf and building connections and networks inside the game. Their experiences serve as a reminder of how essential it is to foster relationships in an industry that can sometimes feel isolating.

Golf is pretty lonely. This contrast highlights the challenges faced by those who work in golf, where passion must often be balanced with the isolation that can come from a competitive environment.

Derek and Daryl's First Job in Golf

Derek and Daryl began at the McCormick Ranch Golf Club. I learned that they started in the bag room and were also responsible for parking cars for the members. This initial experience not only introduced them to the inner workings of a golf club but also allowed them to develop relationships with members and gain insights into the golf culture. It was a humble beginning, but it set the stage for their future careers in golf.

After their time at McCormick Ranch, Daryl moved on to the Orange Tree Golf Club, where he arrived first and quickly established himself. I found out that they both stayed at Orange Tree Golf Club for an impressive seven years, during which they honed their skills and deepened their understanding of what it means to be a golf professional. Derek eventually transitioned to Gainey Ranch Golf Club, while Daryl took a position at Alta Mesa Golf Club. By this time, we could see that they had become classic professionals in the industry, embodying the dedication and expertise required to thrive in golf.

Listening to their journey, I realized how important those early experiences shaped their careers. Derek and Daryl's story reminds us that every professional journey begins somewhere, often with small but significant roles. Their commitment to learning and growing within the golf community has paid off, inspiring us to appreciate our beginnings in whatever field we pursue.

Transitioning Into the Management Spot

Derek and Daryl eventually made it into management roles within the golf industry. I learned that Daryl initially worked for Orbi Sports as the National Retail Manager before moving to Seattle with his wife. Living in Seattle was beautiful, but when Orbi Sports relocated their office back to Scottsdale, Daryl realized he wanted to return to his roots in golf. He took on the role of General Manager at one of their properties in Las Vegas, marking a significant step back into the golf business.

Meanwhile, Derek's path also involved a notable transition. He spent about a year and a half working at Ping before moving on to a position where he issued costumes for 11 years. Eventually, he returned to the golf industry, bringing with him valuable experience from outside the traditional golf environment.

As I listened to their stories, it became clear that Derek and Daryl had cultivated a diverse skill set that would serve them well in their management roles. Their journeys highlight how varied experiences can enrich one's perspective in the golf business.

The Updegraff Award From the Arizona Golf Association

Derek and Daryl discuss the prestigious Updegraff Award from the Arizona Golf Association, highlighting the moment they were honored at the event. I found it particularly touching when they shared how cool it was to see so many familiar faces in the audience, which underscored the strong community ties within the golf industry.

Moments like these remind us of the importance of relationships built over years of dedication to the sport. Being recognized in front of peers and friends adds a layer of significance to any award.

Listening to Tori, Derek, and Daryl discuss their experiences; I realized that awards like the Updegraff are milestones in our professional journeys. They remind us of our commitment to excellence and our passion for golf.

Private Daily Fee Municipal Resort

I found it fascinating to learn how Derek and Daryl manage their driving range, particularly their strategy for range balls. They change the range balls per season, saving and reusing them, which helps manage costs and ensures that they maintain a high-quality experience for golfers. Typically, they order around 6,000 range balls, which is a significant commitment and reflects their dedication to providing an excellent practice environment.

Derek explained that the type of facility plays a crucial role in determining how often they order new range balls. For daily fee resorts and private clubs, guests are often expected to hit new balls during their practice sessions. This insight made me realize how important it is for golf facilities to align their offerings with the expectations of their clientele. As we discussed further, I learned that Derek and Daryl have around 20 stalls at their range, often set up off mats. This setup allows for a consistent practice experience, even as they manage the wear and tear on the range balls.

Mats Vs. Grass

Daryl and Derek dug deeper into the advancements in artificial turf technology, and it's getting better every year. They shared how modern artificial turf provides a more authentic experience for golfers, minimizing the gap between real grass and synthetic materials. For busy courses, this is a game changer. Artificial turf allows natural grass to recover while offering players a surface to practice. Derek mentioned that it's important to monitor the player traffic and adjust the areas where artificial turf is used accordingly.

Managing a golf course is all about maintaining balance. As Derek and Daryl explained, the decision to use artificial turf versus grass depends on the number of players and the overall condition of the course. On days when the course is packed, artificial turf can take the pressure off the grass, extending its life and ensuring golfers have a consistent experience.

Three Things To Be Successful in the Golf Business

Whether you're managing a small local course or a sprawling resort, these principles hold across the board. It's all about creating an experience that keeps golfers coming back.

Ensure your golf course is always in great shape – The course is your primary product and needs to reflect the best of what you offer. Regular maintenance and also staying on top of repairs can distinguish between a good golf day and a disappointing one for your players. A well-kept course signifies professionalism and care, setting you apart from the competition.

Have fair prices – Golfers are savvy consumers who know when they're getting value for their money. We discuss how crucial it is to price your rounds competitively while also ensuring that your pricing reflects the experience you provide. Striking the right balance between value and profitability is key to keeping your tee sheets full and your customers satisfied.

Exceed the customers' expectations—It's not enough to just meet them; you must go above and beyond. Whether through exceptional service, little personal touches, or delivering a standout experience on and off the course, we explore strategies that can make your club memorable. When golfers leave your course feeling like they've had a unique and rewarding experience, they'll be eager to return and spread the word.

Greens Fees and Its Fluctuations

Derek and Daryl dived into one of the most important aspects of managing a successful course: greens fees and their fluctuations. It's not as simple as setting a price and sticking with it; it requires strategy and constant adjustment. Here are some strategies they usually use:

Look at what you've done in the past
Look at your competition

By balancing your fees with the level of service and quality you provide, you can easily create a nice pricing model that works for your business and your players.

Why Retail Is So Difficult

Many might assume that running the pro shop is simple, but it comes with its own set of complexities. One major factor to consider is the difference in the number of male versus female customers visiting the shop. The percentage difference is huge, which presents challenges when deciding on inventory and creating an environment that caters to all guests.

As much as you might want to stock the best and latest gear, you can only buy what's available. Daryl and Derek discuss how inventory limitations can affect your business, from dealing with seasonal product availability to ensuring that your offerings align with what your customers want.

Key Takeaways

Charity golf events can provide unique opportunities to connect with sports legends and contribute to meaningful causes.
Early experiences in the golf industry, even in entry-level roles, are crucial for building a strong foundation for future success.
Transitioning into management within the golf business often requires diverse skills and experience from outside the industry.
Awards and recognition in the golf industry highlight the importance of community and dedication to the sport.
To succeed in the golf business, courses must be well-maintained, prices must be fair, and customer expectations must be exceeded.
Running retail at a golf course is challenging due to inventory limitations and differing customer needs, particularly between male and female shoppers.

Conclusion

The journey through golf, much like Derek and Daryl's, goes beyond mastering skills on the course—it's about building connections, fostering community, and navigating both the joys and challenges of the sport. Their stories remind us that success in golf, as in life, is shaped by early experiences, adaptability, and a commitment to constant growth. From giving back through charity events to learning the art of course management, they've shown that a well-rounded, passionate approach is key. As we reflect on their journey, we're inspired to improve our game and strengthen the relationships and values it cultivates.