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Paul Jansen

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Hello GolfClubAtlas
« on: February 02, 2009, 06:02:30 AM »
Hello Everyone

I though this would be a good time to introduce myself. I am new to the site albeit I have spent the last few months in the background enjoying some of the posts and pictures.

I am a Golf Course Architect working with Nick Faldo out of Europe. I am based in Switzerland (although can be found sometimes at the Faldo Windsor Office just outside of London).

I am originally from Durban, South Africa which blends well with some of the recent posts (Spion Kop, trip to South Africa and the cricket series against Australia). Of course a fair portion of my childhood was spent playing golf (Royal Durban and Durban Country Club amongst others). In unison with everyone on this site I have visited and played many golf courses around the world, and spent a good proportion of my time stuck behind a good golf novel, so I hope that I can add my bit (maybe even upload some pictures when I learn how).

Cheers for now

Paul Jansen 


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Adam Clayman

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Re: Hello GolfClubAtlas
« Reply #1 on: February 02, 2009, 07:01:25 AM »
Welcome.

Perhaps induction by fire?


How do you feel American designs have influenced international designs?

Are you doing anything that could be considered different? If so, what?
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"It's unbelievable how much you don't know about the game you've been playing your whole life." - Mickey Mantle

Ally Mcintosh

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Re: Hello GolfClubAtlas
« Reply #2 on: February 02, 2009, 07:06:01 AM »
Hi Paul....

Have you been directly involved with the course at Lough Rynn?... I was up having a walk around last summer but Construction seemed to have stalled...

Really lovely looking site...

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Melvyn Morrow

Re: Hello GolfClubAtlas
« Reply #3 on: February 02, 2009, 07:10:31 AM »

Hi Paul

Welcome to GCA.com.  Whilst we may not always agree with each other, and have the odd joust with handbags, but GCA.com is a site worth the effort.

But please do not lurk on the sidelines get involved and post your open and honest opinions as most will appreciate your commitment. Well once you have finished answering all the questions ;)

Again welcome and look forward to seeing you add to the topics on this great site. 

Melvyn


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Bill_McBride

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Re: Hello GolfClubAtlas
« Reply #4 on: February 02, 2009, 09:34:11 AM »
Paul, welcome to the Treehouse and thanks for your introductory post.

With regard to golf novels, I've enjoyed a handful but generally found them below par (pun intended).    Could you take a moment and list a few of your favorites?  I'm always looking for something good to read.

Cheers!
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Paul Jansen

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Re: Hello GolfClubAtlas
« Reply #5 on: February 02, 2009, 12:10:00 PM »
Thank You for your welcome

Adam,

The golden age Architects (in America that is) showed us that it was possible to design and build golf courses of the highest order outside of the United Kingdom / parts of Europe on land that was at that time not always deemed well suited for golf. They took golf design to the next level - golf courses were now being built on any terrain / whatever the subsurface conditions may be.

It would seem that American design in part degressed, for a stage, after the Golden Age era. A high emphasis on fairness led to some relatively bland designs (flat landing areas, golf holes that were predictable and monotonous in nature). I think it was Tom Simpson who once said that the element of luck was all important in making the game of golf interesting. This seemed to be lost in those years. In fact, you could say that many of the golf courses built around the world, at that time, seemed to adopt the same mantra.  Thank goodness for Pete Dye for giving the business some life - and we all know what he has done for golf design in general.

More recently some of the American Architects have showed us that through minimal design and respect for the terrain some of the best golf courses of our day can be built.
In America, more so than the rest of world, there is still a high emphasis on aesthetics which in turn has put a high demand on maintenance and natural resources. As we move forward us Architects and our clients are going to need to be more responsible and look to design more sustainable courses.

Ally

I have been to Lough Rynn once probably 3 years ago - I am not involved on this one.However, given that it was designed out of our office I have a fair bit knowledge of the goings on here. This is a special place what with the golf spread around the Lough. I think there are around 6 holes routed around the Lough. Of course with Ireland being so wet and given that a proportion of the land is peat the work has not been super quick. I know shaping of the one nine was underway in the summer and I think a fair bit of drainage has been installed.

Bill,

My favourite novels

Spirit of St Andrews
The Architectural Side of Golf
The Links
Bury me in a Pot Bunker

Cheers for now

Paul







 
 

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RJ_Daley

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Re: Hello GolfClubAtlas
« Reply #6 on: February 02, 2009, 02:50:10 PM »
I remember a few years ago that Faldo had an interview in "Links" magazine (I think it was).  I was impressed with his comments on his overview of golf course architecture and what he strives to incorporate in his design going forward. 

How many associate architect partners does he have in the world wide enterprise?  No doubt he will likely see much more work in Asia and non-U.S. sites, it would seem to me.

http://www.nickfaldo.com/design/course_design
« Last Edit: February 02, 2009, 02:52:55 PM by RJ_Daley »
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No actual golf rounds were ruined or delayed, nor golf rules broken, in the taking of any photographs that may be displayed by the above forum user.

Bob_Huntley

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Re: Hello GolfClubAtlas
« Reply #7 on: February 02, 2009, 03:40:24 PM »
Paul,

Welcome to GCA.

I lived for a very short time in Natal and on holidays from the Rhodesias, would play at the two clubs you mentioned.

My first lesson from a pro was with Phil Ritson when he was at Windsor Park GC(sic). I understand that the course has become an annex of the Durban CC.

Did you ever come across George Harvey, the pro at Mount Edgecombe?  He was a formidable amateur in his day in Bulawayo.


Bob

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George Pazin

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Re: Hello GolfClubAtlas
« Reply #8 on: February 02, 2009, 04:08:32 PM »
Welcome, please don't be shy, share your experiences and passion. I know a lot of participating architects are hesitant to appear self serving, but don't let the naysayers stop you, the overwhelming majority here love to learn from the industry posters.
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Big drivers and hot balls are the product of golf course design that rewards the hit one far then hit one high strategy.  Shinny showed everyone how to take care of this whole technology dilemma. - Pat Brockwell, 6/24/04

Forrest Richardson

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Re: Hello GolfClubAtlas
« Reply #9 on: February 02, 2009, 10:03:25 PM »
Paul — I am glad to know another name in Europe. Hopefully I begin my first European course in 2010, in Sweden. It would be fun to meet up when either of us ventures near the other. Welcome.
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— Forrest Richardson, Golf Course Architect/ASGCA
    www.golfgroupltd.com
    www.golframes.com

Brad Fleischer

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Re: Hello GolfClubAtlas
« Reply #10 on: February 02, 2009, 10:55:25 PM »
Paul,

Welcome ! Looking forward to some of your thoughts and ideas. I, as I'm sure others  would love to see some pics of Durban. I will gladly post them for you :). Second I was wondering if you had any news of faldos plans in Ireland ? I was there this summer and stayed in ballina. I tried to find out some info but most people had no idea. I am of course refering to bartragh. Any new news.

Thanks and welcome

Brad
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