PHOENIX, ARIZ. — AZ GOLF is proud to announce its 2025 Players of the Year and annual service award recipients, recognizing excellence both in competition and in contribution to the game.
Throughout the year, AZ GOLF members earned points based on finishing position in championship events held across the state. Arizona’s best rose to the top of the standings.
In addition to honoring championship achievement, AZ GOLF is pleased to recognize the recipients of the prestigious Dr. Ed Updegraff and Dorothy Pease Champion of Golf Awards. These honors represent the highest recognition presented by the Association, celebrating individuals whose dedication, leadership, and service have made a lasting and positive impact on golf in Arizona.
The 2025 award winners were formally recognized on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, during the AZ GOLF Annual Meeting, hosted by Phoenix Country Club.
This year’s Player of the Year and service award winners are:
Men’s Player of the Year: Chris Kamin - For the fourth year in a row, Kamin has earned the Men’s Division Player of the Year award, following a top finish in the Arizona Southern Amateur Championship and three second-place rankings in the Arizona Mid-Amateur, Arizona Match Play and Roy Tatum Best Ball Championships. Kamin (4) and Ken Kellaney (10) are the only two players to earn at least four Player of the Year titles with AZ GOLF.
Women’s Player of the Year: Robin Krapfl - Always in contention this season, Robin Krapfl was the Arizona Women’s Scotch Play Champion, earning second in the Arizona Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship (senior division), Women’s Partners Championship and Women’s Season Opener.
Senior Men's Player of the Year: Brad Wayment - A two-time champion in 2025, Brad Wayment won the Arizona Southern Amateur and Arizona Northern Amateur Championships in the senior division (golfers age 55+). He also finished runner-up in the Arizona Senior Amateur Championship and fourth in the senior division at the Arizona Stableford. Wayment previously won the award in 2021.
Co-Senior Women’s Players of the Year: Leigh Klasse & Robin Krapfl - Tied at the top of the senior women’s leaderboard this year was Leigh Klasse and Robin Krapfl. Klasse’s season was headlined by third place finishes in the Arizona Women’s Mid-Amateur (senior division) and Women’s Senior Amateur Championships, as well as being crowned champion in the Women’s Scotch Play Championship while partnered with Krapfl. This is the second time Klasse (2024) and Krapfl (2022) have won the award.
Legends Player of the Year: Marc Apps - Consistency was the name of Marc Apps’ game in 2025 across the Legends Division (golfers age 65+). Apps was the Legends Division champion of the Arizona Northern Amateur Championship, taking home second in the Arizona Four-Ball Championship and becoming a semi-finalist in the Arizona Match Play Championship.
Mayfair Award: Cody Massa - The Mayfair Award was created in 1988 to be awarded to the AZ GOLF player with the lowest weighted tournament scoring average at the end of each year. The 2025 recipient is Cody Massa who earned an adjusted scoring average of 68.38 in nine counting events.
Dr. Ed Updegraff Award: Tom Cunningham - Established in 1990, the Updegraff Award is AZ GOLF’s highest honor, given in recognition of those who, by their actions, exemplify the Spirit of the Game. The award is named after Dr. Ed Updegraff of Tucson, honoring his lifetime contributions and dedication to amateur golf in Arizona.
Tom Cunningham didn’t take up golf until after graduating college, later discovering his passion for the game when his children showed interest. Cunningham’s involvement in golf began in 1982 as a member of the Phoenix Thunderbirds, becoming the Executive Director of the Junior Golf Association of Arizona in 1994. He held that role through 2013, focusing on developing good character and creating good people on and off the course.
Dorothy Pease Champion of Golf Award: Marvol Barnard - To honor the memory of Dorothy Pease, in recognition of her selfless service to golf, the Champion of Golf Award is given annually to an individual who, by his or her contributions, has advanced the game of golf for women.
Marvol Barnard took her first golf lesson at age 38 and was hooked from swing one. She is now sharing her passions as an instructor for her 23rd year. Barnard believes golf should be fun and welcoming to all, regardless of skill level. She currently serves as Director of Instruction at the Country Club of Green Valley, where she teaches golfers of all ages and skill levels.
Doc Graves Volunteer of the Year Award: Lyman Gallup - Gallup has been a rules official since 1989, taking his talents to Arizona in 2013. He learns more and more about golf rules each time he steps on the course. Gallup was selected by the Volunteer of the Year Committee to receive the 2025 Doc Graves Volunteer of the Year Award. He was recognized during AZ GOLF’s Volunteer Appreciation Day in September, receiving a Kachina trophy as a thank you.
“These individuals truly represent what makes Arizona golf special,” said AZ GOLF Executive Director Catherine Carmignani. “Through both their competitive success and their dedication to the game, they’ve made a meaningful difference in our community. It’s an honor to recognize their contributions and celebrate them together.”
ABOUT AZ GOLF
Founded in 1923, AZ GOLF is a nonprofit dedicated to serving and advancing the game of golf in Arizona. We engage our community through championships and tournaments, player development, education, and outreach while providing official USGA Handicap Indexes to golfers statewide. With more than 550 member clubs and golfers of all ages and abilities, we are committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive golf community and ensuring the game’s long-term growth and sustainability.