Nearly three decades ago, Jansen wrote to every firm on the ASGCA membership list, hoping for a chance to enter the profession. Today, he is joining the Society himself.
NASHVILLE, Tennessee — Paul Jansen, golf course architect and CEO of Himalayas Golf, has been accepted as a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), fulfilling a personal ambition that dates back to the very beginning of his career.
In the late 1990s, Jansen discovered that designing golf courses was a profession. With the internet still in its infancy and no obvious route into the industry, he downloaded the ASGCA membership list. It included approximately 120 members across what he remembers as 30 or 40 design firms. He wrote to them all.
That determination eventually led him to Ault, Clark & Associates in Washington, D.C., where Thomas Clark was the recipient of Jansen’s letter and ultimately gave him his opportunity in the industry. During Jansen’s time at the firm, Brian Ault served as ASGCA President.
The experience helped launch Jansen’s career and planted an ambition to one day become a member himself.
Now, almost three decades later, that ambition has become a reality. Jansen, who is also a member of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects, describes his admission as a deeply personal honor.
“Back then, I was simply looking for a way into a profession that fascinated me,” Jansen explained. “I wrote to the firms on the Society’s membership list, hoping there might be an opportunity. Becoming a member myself is a tremendous honor and brings that journey full circle.
“It also reminds me of the people who opened doors, shared their knowledge and helped me find my way, especially Thomas Clark and the team at Ault, Clark & Associates in those early days. Without the opportunity they gave me, Himalayas Golf would not exist today.”
Hunki Yun, Executive Director of the ASGCA welcomes Paul:
“We are delighted to welcome Paul to the American Society of Golf Course Architects,” Yun said. “His international experience and interest in how golf facilities can serve a wider range of players bring a valuable perspective to our membership. We look forward to his contribution to the Society and to the continuing conversation about the future of golf course architecture.”
Today, Jansen’s work with Himalayas Golf includes a focus on rethinking how people practice, play and first experience the game. Driving ranges, short-game areas and putting experiences form part of a wider ambition to make golf more engaging and help facilities respond to changing expectations.
His admission to the ASGCA comes as Himalayas Golf seeks to expand its presence in the United States and build on its international work.
“There is so much opportunity to think differently about the spaces where people discover and enjoy golf,” Jansen said. “A practice area can be someone’s first experience of the game, a place to spend time with friends, or the reason they keep coming back. I am proud of what our team is building, and excited to keep learning and contributing, to change the course of golf alongside others who care deeply about golf’s future.”