biography

Paul Jansen's global journey is a testament to his passion for the game of golf, design, and love of travel.

Born in Zimbabwe, and raised in South Africa, Paul developed a deep passion for the game of golf from a young age. Educated at the acclaimed Durban Boys High School and later earning an honors degree in Town and Regional Planning at the University of Witwatersrand, his fascination with design and sports led him to pursue a career in golf course architecture.

Following his graduation in 1999, Paul embarked on a journey to the USA, where he developed his skills in course design through a work opportunity with Ault, Clark, and Associates.

Following this, his career journey led him to the United Kingdom, where he had the good fortune of working alongside renowned golfer and 6-time major winner Sir Nick Faldo and team. During this period, Paul enhanced his skills and expanded his global outlook by traveling to countless golf courses throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland, Continental Europe, and the rest of the globe for work and play. Drawing from a diverse range of experiences and insights acquired from these golf courses, Paul's work evolved to encompass a truly international dimension.

In 2008, Paul made his home in the tranquil town of Chancy, Switzerland, whilst continuing to collaborate with Faldo Design. In 2010, Paul founded Jansen Golf Design Inc. and relocated to North America to focus on the USA and Canadian markets, while maintaining his involvement in projects worldwide. By this time, Paul had accumulated experience in over 15 countries and had visited nearly 50, establishing himself as a truly global traveler and golf course architect.

A chance meeting with Dave Pelz in Texas in 2016 marked a pivotal moment for Paul, reshaping the trajectory of his business. Inspired by this encounter, Paul expanded his services to encompass design and construction utilizing artificial turf, with a specialization in golf entertainment and practice. Under the rebranded name Himalayas Golf, the company now has offices across three continents with projects completed or in construction in North America, Australia, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Paul continues to work with Dave Pelz and PGA / LPGA golf coach Gareth Raflewski on projects dedicated to practice as well as with Sir Nick Faldo on select projects across the globe.

Paul's influence within the golfing community extends beyond mere design and construction. Paul has become an advocate for the sustainable and responsible growth of the sport, receiving invitations to speak at various conferences worldwide and authoring numerous articles and two books.

FORWARD THINKING.

Fascinated by ideas and inspired by the future.

A fan of the Wayne Gretzky quote “A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.” resonates deeply with Paul’s character and business ethos. As a forward thinker, Paul is focused on the future rather than dwelling on the now.

Paul also believes that hard work and determination are keys to success and that it’s important to enjoy the journey, make friends, and experience different things along the way.

SUSTAINABLE GOLF DESIGN

Paul's work is deeply influenced by his extensive travels around the globe, where he has encountered diverse golf courses and environments, as well as a variety of different people and cultures.

The primary motivation behind writing the book "Golf: Sustainable by Design" was to provide individuals within the industry, especially those unable to travel and experience different golf course settings, with insights into how various facilities strive to enhance their environment, engage with the community, maintain affordability, and ensure economic viability. The book serves as a platform to showcase these stories and practices.

As an expert in the design and construction of golf course facilities using artificial turf, Paul worked with SYNlawn to publish a second book Driving change: Artificial turfs influence on golf, which explores the transformative potential of artificial turf in the golf industry.

Q&A with Paul

  • I’m drawn to golf courses that are quirky, unique, and have a strong sense of place. Some of these include:

    West Sussex, Nuwara Eliya, Kawana, Gleneagles, Komatipoort, Brancaster, Durban CC, Utrecht De Pan, Jasper Park and Crystal Downs.

  • We’ve been gifted with talented golf course architects through the ages.

    I’m a fan of Col S.V Hotchkin given his work in South Africa and the UK (West Sussex and Woodhall Spa in particular).

    Peter Thomson’s work in Asia through the 70s, 80s, and 90s stands out (just visit Jagorawi Golf in Indonesia to see this).

    The Hawtree group has completed some excellent work in Europe and there are too many gifted American golf course architects to name the last 50 years.

    The best golf course architects are strong at the routing stage. They are talented at taking golfers on a journey of discovery through the property utilizing all the best on site and off site features.

  • I’m a massive sports fan. I love rugby, cricket and golf. I don’t mind a bit of American football and ice hockey as well.

    I believe the biggest influence on me, which helped define my drive and ambition to succeed, was the sportspersons I looked up to as a teenager including Sir Nick Faldo, Nick Price, Hansie Cronje, Gary Tiechmann and Ayrton Senna

  • Travel and experience things. Build your own opinion even if it does not conform with others.

  • I find as much enjoyment designing and building a mini putt or driving range as I do an 18 hole golf course.

    The biggest upside is that you see it develop in a short space of time whereas a large 9 or 18 hole golf course can take many years to grow from start to finish.

    I also enjoy “grow the game” initiatives and the entertainment facilities my company are involved with are very much a part of this.

  • Nick Price

  • Outside of North America (I enjoy most exploring the USA and Canada) my top 5 places for a holiday include Japan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Costa Rica, and Italy.

    I like Eastern Europe more than Western Europe and helped by the fact that I was married in Krakow and my wife is from Polish decent.

    As an African I love the bush so I always enjoy my time in South Africa, I like Kenya and Zambia. I like Australia and Texas for its similarities.

    Asia might be the most beautiful continent visually and most affordable place to travel. The most memorable country I’ve ever visited is Burma (Myanmar) which is like going back in time and many of the features (natural and man-made) are remarkable.

    From a work perspective, it’s always easier doing business in the developed world so North America, Europe (including the UK) and Australia would top that list.

  • Argentina, Chile and New Zealand are at the top of my list. I would also like to visit St Helena, Hawaii, and Morocco.

  • Wow, I’ve had a lot. Probably coming face to face with a King Cobra in the jungles of Vietnam on a golf course visit.

  • The most challenging (and rewarding) trip I have ever done was a 28-day / 8-country trip around Asia that started in India - Sri Lanka - Malaysia - Singapore - Indonesia - Myanmar - Vietnam and ended in Cambodia.

  • My family (my wife and 2 kids) live in Toronto and so my physical home is in Canada.

    I also hold a UK passport and have property in London so the UK is my second home.

    I grew up in Africa so in many ways this is my home away from home.