Golf Architects/Designers: Von Hagge, Smelek & Baril (Michael J. Smelek)

Since learning to play golf at age 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.

In January of 1995, Mike Smelek forged a more definitive relationship with von Hagge Golf Course Architects by becoming a Senior Partner, with the distinctive honor of being added to the firm’s name. Now, after nearly three decades and the design of countless golf courses all over the world, Mike Smelek continues to utilize his extraordinary talent in all areas of the design and implementation process at von Hagge Smelek & Baril.

His meticulous attention to detail as well as diligence in performance and service continues to garner praise from clients all over the world. As part of the award-winning global design team at von Hagge Smelek & Baril, the name Mike Smelek is synonymous with “premier global golf course architect.”