We had the good fortune of connecting with Donald Crawley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Donald, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had helped build a brand (John Jacobs Golf Schools) and learned that I could create, build, operate my own brand/business. GolfSimplified Inc. Through that I also created developed and operate the Boulders Golf Academy.

What should our readers know about your business?
GolfSimplifed Inc is a golf instruction business that simplifies the art of teaching golf to many many different people. The personalized and practical approach to teaching golf to each individual is what separates I from other instructors and teaching methods. The phrase “I teach people to golf, not golf to people” . What does that mean? Golf is a difficult demanding game that should be played for fun and competition. Each person needs their own diagnosis, explanation and correction. It’s not about a ‘swing method’. It’s not about gathering data ( although that can be very important for the advanced competitive player).
My 45 years experience of servicing people helps me deliver a quality personalized experience every time. GolfSimplified is a system to teach people, each and every one on a personal level.
Being the ‘quality control manager’ of the largest golf school in the country helped teach me along the way, to overcome many challenges. Learning to understand and relate to the individual and their learning style, helps deliver a superior quality program.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Boulders Golf Resort and Spa is a great getaway destination. Situated in Carefree at the very northern edge of Scottsdale, AZ, it is a relaxing oasis in the Sonoran desert. The majority of my out of State clients spend a minimum of three days with me. Instruction in the morning, leisurely lunch, golf play on the course of the famed golf courses at the Boulders. After the sun goes down, relax and eat on property at the Spotted Donkey, or cruise into the western town of Cave Creek. Watch bull riding at the Buffalo Chip saloon. Dance at next door Harolds a cowboy and girls hangout. Or a finer dine and cocktails at Keeler’s steakhouse.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mentor Mr John Jacobs O.B.E inspired me to become the best golf instructor I could be. Through the grace of God I started as his apprentice to assistant in our homeland England. Through his recommendation I was given an opportunity to teach in his golf schools in the United States. His business partner Shelby Futch put me in charge of the instruction and day to day operations and procedures. Through Shelby’s vision we grew the John Jacobs Golf Schools from one location, 4 staff, 100 students in 1982 to 42 locations 600 staff and 60,000 student days by 1999. In this journey I was fortunate to be involved in helping build the brand and becoming the largest most successful golf instruction business in North America. The market was saturated and severely disrupted after 9/11.
I envisioned the decline in the golf market and particularly golf school instruction business. Therefore I personalized the business principles and created my own brand, starting GolfSimplified within the Boulders Golf Academy. Both businesses have become very successful, and I still appreciate the wisdom and experience of the late John Jacobs and the wiley business sense and visionary of Shelby.

Website: Www.golfsimplified.com

Instagram: Golf.simplified

Linkedin: Donald Crawley

Twitter: @donaldcrawley

Facebook: Donald Crawley

Youtube: @donaldcrawley770

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.