At the intersection of sport, art, and architecture stands an exceptional figure in the world of golf – Jan Bel Jan. Groundbreaking in her approach and tenacious in her dedication, Bel Jan offers a significant contribution to golf course design. As a woman in what is historically a male-dominated sphere, she has not only broken through the glass ceiling but has created spaces that are meticulously designed for an inclusive approach to the game.
Becoming the President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) in 2019 spoke volumes about Jan’s understanding of the game’s intricacies and her unparalleled design approach. This recommendation from her peers spotlighted her passion and commitment to golf and her successful career journey, having started as a landscape architecture student and enthusiastically finding her niche in golf course design.
Born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey, Bel Jan graduated from the University of Miami’s School of Architecture, where she acquired the foundation for her golf course designing career. After a brief stint at Gulfstream Golf Club, she teamed up with esteemed golf course architect Tom Fazio, where she gained invaluable experience. During her 20-year tenure with Fazio, she was involved in all aspects of designing and redesigning numerous high-ranking golf courses throughout the U.S and internationally.
Subsequently, Bel Jan opened her own firm, “Jan Bel Jan Golf Course Design,” based in Jupiter, Florida. Here, she leveraged her experience and creativity to serve a global client base, incisively transforming their blueprints into playable and picturesque fairways. Further demonstrating her flexibility within this art form, many of her designs are accredited with honors, two of which rank among the Top 100 U.S Golf Courses.
Perhaps what sets Bel Jan apart is her empathetic design technique, ‘Scoring Tees.’ Unlike traditional designs, the Scoring Tees system allows golf courses to be more user-friendly and play-friendly for individuals of all skills, ages, and physical abilities—the very essence of inclusivity. This unique perspective stems from her multi-dimensional understanding of golf involving, not just designing, but playing the game as well. As an accomplished golfer herself, she carefully meshes strategic design elements with the player’s experience— a perfect fusion of form and functionality.
Furthermore, Bel Jan’s understanding of the environment and her commitment to environmentally friendly design is remarkable. She endorses the judicious use of water and supports the protection of habitat and wildlife in her projects. This balance of aesthetic and sustainability reflects her deep respect for nature.
Despite her astonishing achievements, Bel Jan remains humble and dedicated to her craft. In a heartwarming manner peculiar to her character, she often credits the inspiration for her success to her father who urged her to combine career and passion. Guided by this wisdom, Bel Jan continues her spectacular ride in the golf industry with grace, creativity, and unwavering commitment.
Her devotion to golf course design, combined with an unparalleled understanding of the game and a sustainable perspective, has made Jan Bel Jan an eminent figure in the industry. Through her designs, she mirrors the spirit of golf, one that is welcoming, diverse, and reliant on nature’s beauty.
Whether you have graced her courses or have yet to do so, one thing is clear – Jan Bel Jan contributes significantly to golf’s landscape. She models how courses can be not only attractive and challenging but also respectful of the environment and inclusive to all.
In essence, Bel Jan’s approach is illustrative of what the future of golf course design holds; a balance of technical precision, respect for nature, and an unabashed promotion of inclusivity. She successfully combines these facets demonstrating that golf course design is not mere landscaping. It’s about bringing together the right elements to evoke passion and inspire every golfer who steps foot on the course, just as the game of golf is meant to do. Jan Bel Jan, a name not just etched in the golf industry as a creator of beautiful courses, but as a trailblazer bending norms in favor of inclusivity and sustainability. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion and creativity, carving an indelible mark in golf history.