We-Ko-Pa’s Crawford named One of the Most Admired Golf Course Operators by Golf Inc. magazine

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club’s Director of Golf Operations Derek Crawford has been named “One of the 20 Most Admired Operators” by Golf Inc. magazine in their recently published Summer 2010 issue. Golf Inc. has recognized a new group of Most Admired Operators every year since 2005. More than 100 golf industry insiders, including developers, management company executives, consultants and brokers, are asked to vote annually on nominees. Crawford and TPC Scottsdale General Manager Bill Grove were the only two Arizona-based operators to appear on the 20-person list.

A Phoenix native, Crawford has more than 30 years experience in the golf business including the last nine years at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club where he’s served as Director of Sales and Marketing (2001 – 2008) and Director of Golf Operations (2008 – present). Prior to We-Ko-Pa, Crawford served as a sales representative for many quality golf brands including Fidra, Tour Edge and Royal Precision. He has also held positions as director of golf for StoneCreek Golf Club in Phoenix, Ariz. and head golf professional for Gainey Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Located on the Fort McDowell Indian Community, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is a daily fee golf facility that consists of the original 18 holes, the Cholla course, designed by Scott Miller and a second 18 holes, the Saguaro course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. We-Ko-Pa is owned by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and is operated by EF Golf and OB Sports Golf Management. For more information on We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, call 480.836.9000 or www.wekopa.com.