Jan Bel Jan elected president of ASGCA

Jan Bel Jan is the second woman to serve as president of ASGCA. Photo: ASGCA

Jan Bel Jan, ASGCA, was elected president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) at the organization’s 73rd annual meeting in Phoenix.

Bel Jan will serve as ASGCA president through fall of 2020.

Bel Jan is a native of Pittsburgh, and her father was a golf course pro and superintendent and three of his five brothers were PGA professionals. She is a graduate of West Virginia University with a degree in landscape architecture.

Bel Jan began her design career with Tom Fazio, ASGCA, with whom she held a senior position in golf course design, construction and project management for more than 20 years. Her experience as a registered landscape architect, certified arborist and former assistant superintendent has provided her with a unique outlook on playability, strategy, ecology, economics and aesthetics of golf courses.

“I want to carry on the mission of ASGCA Past Presidents Greg Martin, John Sanford, Jeff Blume and others,” Bel Jan said. “Thoughtfulness for our clients as we may continue providing the best product, helping show a better economic way to do things and greater recognition for the work of ASGCA members.”

Bel Jan is the second woman to serve as ASGCA president; Alice Dye, ASGCA, was the first. Like Dye, Bel Jan is also recognized for her role as champion to all golfers in playing from the most appropriate tees.

“I had known for a long time that the most-forward tees were not far enough forward,” Bel Jan said. “This was not only about women, but children and older men too. There has to be a way for everyone to play from markers and feel that they belong and are valued. I went through 20 different terms before I decided on ‘Scoring Tees.’ Everyone wants to score better, especially the players.”

Bel Jan’s portfolio features dozens of projects including: Jupiter Island Club, Hobe Sound, Fla.; Pelican’s Nest Golf Club, Bonita Springs, Fla.; Green Valley Country Club, Greenville, S.C.; Boca Lago Country Club, Boca Raton, Fla.; and The Old Collier Golf Club, Naples, Fla. She has been recognized by the USGA in its “Women and Golf Course Architecture” museum exhibit, and she serves on the board for the National Alliance for Accessible Golf.