MICHAEL J. SMELEK
Vice President

Since learning to play golf at the age of eleven, Mike Smelek has been fascinated by both the complexity of the game and the diverse beauty of the environment in which it is played. This appreciation for the outdoors and an emerging talent for art led him to pursue a career in Landscape Architecture. While attending the University of Idaho, he set a goal of specializing in golf course design and shortly after graduating in 1980, was given an opportunity to fulfill this passion. In March 1981, he moved to Texas and began his apprenticeship with Robert von Hagge.

Mike Smelek, now a Principal, has primary responsibilities in the United States and Mexico, as well as the Pacific Basin Region. Several years ago, he completed Ube Country Club, in Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Ube currently hosts the JPGA Ube Kosan Open. The tournament has been an overwhelming success and this will be its venue for years to come.

Mike's current responsibilities include Mt. Rainier Resort, an 18-hole destination resort on the south side of Mt. Rainier, near Elbe, Washington scheduled to begin construction late in 2006, after ten years of design and permitting; the City of Henderson, Nevada, 18-hole course; Whiskey Springs golf course in Kerrville, Texas, a 4th 9 holes at Torreon in Show Low, Arizona; El Molino golf course in Leon, Mexico and Eastwood Golf Course, 9-hole addition, in Ft. Myers, Florida.

Education:

• Bachelor of Landscape Architecture - University of Idaho