Phoenix Welcomes New Leaders at Papago Golf Club
Phoenix, Ariz. – Exciting changes are happening at the Papago Golf Club, a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Recently, the iconic golf course announced the arrival of Zach Amsler as the new head golf professional and Derek Crawford stepping in as the tournament director. This duo is set to revamp the experience at this popular City of Phoenix municipal golf course.
Meet Zach Amsler: The New Head Golf Professional
Taking the reins as the head golf professional at Papago, Zach Amsler is not a stranger to the club. He’s been a valuable member of the Papago team since 2020, spending the last couple of seasons as the tournament director. With a graduation from Eastern Kentucky University and the completion of the Professional Golf Management Program back in 2019, Amsler is a Class A PGA of America member, ready to bring his expertise to the forefront.
Starting his journey in golf at 14 when he worked as a caddie at the Moraine Country Club in Kettering, Ohio, Amsler has climbed the ranks at various clubs across Ohio, Indiana, and Florida. Now based in sunny Arizona, he’s genuinely excited about this new role. His enthusiasm for growing the game shines through as he embarks on this adventure.
Derek Crawford: The Tournament Director with Experience
On the flip side, we have Derek Crawford, who joins Papago with an impressive background in the golf industry. With over 40 years of experience, he’s become an essential part of the team from day one. What makes this even more special is that Derek is the identical twin brother of the club’s General Manager, Daryl Crawford. These two have been working together since childhood, first at the Orange Tree Golf Resort and later at PING, where they served as tour reps on different tours.
Previously, Derek has led operations at several clubs around Phoenix, including the Raven Golf Club and ASU Karsten Golf Course, building a solid reputation along the way. His extensive knowledge and skills have made him a perfect fit for handling the marketing and management of tournaments at Papago.
A Bright Future for Papago Golf Club
“We have high expectations for both of these leaders,” said Daryl Crawford, beaming with pride about his brother and Amsler. Papago Golf Club, owned by the City of Phoenix and managed by Troon, earned a spot on the list of the “30 Best Municipal Golf Courses in America” by Golf Magazine in 2021. Set against the stunning backdrop of Papago Park, this municipal golf course is not just about golf; it’s a cornerstone of the community.
Not only does Papago offer an 18-hole challenging course, but it’s also home to Arizona State University’s men’s and women’s golf teams, complete with a fantastic indoor/outdoor practice facility known as the Thunderbirds Golf Complex. The additions of the mid-century modern \b>Lou Grubb Clubhouse\b> and Evie’s Pavilion for group events have only enhanced its charm.
Exciting Developments Ahead
Looking to the future, the club has even more exciting developments planned. In 2025, Papago Golf Club is launching the new Arizona Golf House, designed to be an interactive space serving all Arizona golf associations and nonprofits. It’s clear that they are making strides to further enrich the golfing experience for everyone.
If you want to stay in the loop or plan your visit, you can check out their website or give them a call. Papago Golf Club is more than just a place to play golf; it’s a community hub where enthusiasts can come together, learn, and enjoy the great game of golf.
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
