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 the Pelz Group, PGA / LPGA golf coach Gareth Raflewski and Sir Nick Faldo on 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.
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.