National Women's Golf Alliance Founding Partner Jan Bel Jan Elected To ASGCA Executive Board

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Jan Bel Jan, one of the founding partners of the National Women’s Golf Alliance (NWGA) has been elected to the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) executive committee. Owner of Jan Bel Jan Golf Course Design, she began her design career with Tom Fazio, where she held a senior position in golf course design, construction and project management for more than 20 years. She is a registered Landscape Architect, Certified Arborist and has been an Adjunct Professor at Hodges University in Naples, Florida. See janbeljan.com
In 1990, Bel Jan had the distinction of being the second woman elected into the ASGCA, following Alice Dye who was its first female member. She represents ASGCA as a board member of the National Alliance for Accessible Golf.
The National Women’s Golf Alliance unites three highly respected women’s golf organizations — the EWGA, Golf for Cause, LLC and Jan Bel Jan Golf Course Design — with the mission to increase the number of women playing golf and engagement levels of existing women golfers. Using their combined years of expertise, data and observation regarding what women golfers want, need and expect for an enhanced playing experience, the NWGA has developed a base of standards and best practices to help golf facilities attract more women golfers and generate more revenue.
“We salute Jan and her new leadership role with the ASCGA. She is a true visionary in her understanding of how the playability of a golf course impacts both the consumer experience and the owner/operator. We all know the importance of welcoming new customers to golf,” said Pam Swensen, CEO of the Executive Women’s Golf Association and co-founder of NWGA. “Jan is a champion for how course architecture can enhance the golf experience which is truly needed to grow participation in the game.”
The NWGA certification program assesses golf facilities on standards and best practices that make the facility welcoming and attractive to women. Facilities are evaluated in five key areas: Golf Course Playability, Customer Service, Golf Course Amenities, Facility Amenities and Golf Programs. Facilities that achieve a score of 80 percent or higher in at least three of these areas receive certification. The Rolling Out the Green Carpet™ designation comes with publicity and marketing, including an insignia to use with promotional materials and advertising.
“Jan’s thoughtful analysis and recommendations for improving golf course playability are some of the most valuable insights that a golf facility receives in its NWGA evaluation,” said Debbie Waitkus, president and founder of Golf for Cause, LLC and NWGA co-founder. “Our reports offer a gold-mine of ideas on how to better engage the woman golfer. Jan’s knowledge and perspective are a critical component to the exceptional value we deliver. We are proud of her accomplishments and thrilled to have her as part of our leadership team.”
To learn more, visit National Women’s Golf Alliance.
About ASGCA
Founded in 1946 by 14 leading architects, the American Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised of experienced golf course designers located throughout the United States and Canada. Members have completed a rigorous two-year long application process that includes the peer review of four representative golf courses. The average ASGCA member has spent nearly 30 years as a golf course architect, designing 42 new 18-hole courses and has worked on or consulted on nearly 150 projects in eight different countries around the world. For more information about ASGCA, including a current list of members, see ASGCA.
About the Alliance
The National Alliance for Accessible Golf is a charitable organization working to ensure the opportunity for all individuals to play the game of golf. The Alliance is represented by major golf organizations in the United States, organizations that provide services for people with disabilities and other advocates. Through GAIN™ (Golf: Accessible and Inclusive Networks) and other programs, the Alliance promotes inclusion and awareness to the golf industry, golf instructors, and the public. For more information about Alliance programs, visit the National Alliance for Accessible Golf.
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