Q&A with Paul Jansen: Insightful 10
In this heartfelt blog post, through 10 Q&A with Paul Jansen, we explore the personal journey encompassing their passions for golf, travel, and adventure.
1 / What are your favorite golf courses?
I am 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.
2 / Who is your favorite golf course architect?
I believe we’ve been gifted with talented golf course architects through the ages. I’m a fan of Col SV Hotchkin given his work in South Africa and the UK (West Sussex and Woodhall Spa). Peter Thomson’s work in Asia through the 70s, 80s, and 90s stands out (just visit Jagorawi Golf 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 can route a course that embraces its surroundings and/or every outstanding feature on site (big or small). The best courses provide a journey of discovery and adventure through nature.
3 / What has been the biggest influence on your career?
I am a massive sports fan. I love rugby, cricket and of course 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 growing up including Sir Nick Faldo, Nick Price, Hansie Cronje, and Joost Van Der Westhuizen.
4 / What is the best advice you have received as a golf architect?
Travel and experience things. Build your own opinion even if it does not conform with others.
5 / Who was your favorite golfer growing up?
Nick Price
6 / What are your favorite countries to visit and why?
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.
As an African I love the bush so I always enjoy my time in South Africa, I like Kenya and Zambia.
Asia might be the most beautiful visually and most affordable place. The most memorable country I’ve ever visited is Burma (Myanmar) which is like going back in time and the features (natural and man-made are remarkable)
From a work perspective, it’s always easier doing business in the developed world so the United Kingdom, North America, and Australia would top that list.
7 / Where have you not visited that you would like to visit?
Argentina, Chile, and New Zealand are at the top of my list. I would also like to visit St Helena, Hawaii, and Morocco.
8 / Can you share a memorable encounter?
Wow, I’ve had a lot. Probably coming face to face with a King Cobra in the jungles of Vietnam on a golf course recon visit.
9 / What is the most challenging journey you've undertaken?
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.
10 / What strangest things you have eaten whilst traveling?
There is food I’ve been served and eaten that I’m not even sure what was. The key in these instances is to have a can of Coke (which you can find in every country) to dunk it down. I’ve probably eaten just about every type of mammal, reptile, and seafood. In many places I’ve visited you eat with your hands (no knives and forks and spoons). In Japan some of the food you eat is raw. But it is all about the experience and I enjoy experiencing different things when travelling.
