Well-versed golfers, particularly those just east of the Cascades, might be familiar with a single-syllable last name that’s wholly indicative of pure golf passion.
That name is Crimp, and that reputation is well-earned. Leading operations at Ellensburg (Wash.) Golf and Country Club in that town are 75-year-old twin brothers Keith and Frank Crimp, who have done so since 1985. In those four decades, the golf course blossomed into a family business in the most traditional sense.
Frank maintains his longtime role as the club’s PGA Head Professional, alongside his daughter Kathryn, who just entered the PGA Professional program and is now the club’s assistant pro. Keith’s son Matthew is head superintendent, who is assisted by Frank’s son, Robert. Any of those family staffers can give a firm indication of what the place has meant to them throughout their lives.
“I was constantly surrounded by golf,” said Kathryn, 24, of her upbringing in and around the local course. “My earliest memories are of going out to the golf course with my parents.”
Indeed, Keith and Frank are originally from Ellensburg, and Keith said they “did everything together, growing up.” Taking up sports like baseball and golf, they each played four years of the latter together at Central Washington University in their hometown, despite their high school not having a golf team. Throughout their high school and college years, both twins served on the grounds crew of the course they’d eventually come to own.
The buying opportunity came in 1985 when the then-35-year-old twins noticed the local chapter of the community service-oriented Elks Lodge had listed the course – one of two it owned in the area – for sale. Keith and Frank eagerly made a bid and were the only ones to do so. Their initial offer was declined, but after more time passed and little additional interest arose from elsewhere, the Elks accepted an increased offer from the Crimps.
The brothers suddenly found themselves in possession of a golf course that was originally designed with elements wholly indicative of its humble charm.
“The course had originally been built by local farmers,” Keith said of the place’s formation. “It had sand greens, and sheep grazed the fairways.”
Keith had taken on the project right in the middle of his career as a schoolteacher at Sunnyside high school, which spanned 25 years from 1976-2001.
Once he stepped away from that life, and his schedule became primarily focused on his golf course, Keith hit the ground running to make his golf course sparkle.
The premises originally had five bunkers; Keith designed and integrated 34 more himself. He added a new irrigation system and built 12 new teeing areas.
“I can’t sit still,” Keith said of his own determination at the time. “So, when I retired from teaching, I started doing all the upgrades on the course.”
As the decades went by, the Crimps’ leadership led to popularity and attention of the golf course beyond just the Ellensburg population.
“When we bought the course, it was about 80 percent local club member play,” Keith said. “Now, it’s flipped, so that we get about 80 percent play from people outside the area.”
Still thinking of the locals, the course offers discounted rates to Central Washington University students, at times of the year that specifically align with the school’s academic quarters.
“We’re really proud to be able to offer affordable golf to the community,” Keith said.
In addition to his own co-ownership of the course, the always-moving Keith has not lost his competitive spirit. He became eligible for super senior competition 10 years ago but still elects to compete in WA Golf and PNGA Senior Championships, as well as Mid-Amateurs. He has a total of four state titles, the most recent of which came in 2020, the year he turned 70.
“My uncle was always the better golfer between my dad and him,” Kathryn admitted of Keith, adding a memory of how she was once picked up from school early to see him finish the final few holes of a tournament. “He may be 75 years old, but he’s the best at our golf course. He’s so accurate, so consistent.”
Keith’s longtime presence around the game can be reflected in coincidental moments, too, like it did at the 2025 PNGA Men’s Master-40, when he was put up against Jeff Widdows, a former student of his.
As passionate as ever, Keith couldn’t be happier to have his brother, and so many others bearing the Crimp name continue to lend their service to what they’ve all built for decades.
“Owning the golf course has provided so many wonderful experiences for my family,” said Keith. “It has kept the family close, both personally and geographically.”
And it will continue to do so.