About Kari Haug Planning and Design, Inc.
Kari Haug Planning and Design, Inc. was established in 2005. Since our inception, we have been fueled by Kari's vision with a singular objective: to create more sustainable and enjoyable golf courses for every golfer.
The Golf Course Architect
Kari J. Haug, MLA, MSc, EIGCA
Kari J. Haug is an accomplished golf course architect dedicated to eco-sensitive, sustainable design and enhancing course playability—particularly for women and senior golfers. A former collegiate golfer with a strong design background, Kari brings a deep understanding of golf strategy from tee to green. Using a combination of physical models, hand drawings, and advanced digital tools such as Photoshop, PowerPoint, and VectorWorks, she helps clients visualize and refine their projects with clarity and creativity. She is an associate member of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA) and is among the very few female golf course architects in the world.
An avid amateur golfer and passionate professional golf fan, Kari has played both competitively and recreationally, giving her first-hand insight into what makes the game enjoyable in all settings. She has published articles in the United States, the United Kingdom, and China, and has conducted research on golf course design for women. Her modern guidelines for graduated forward tee placement have set new standards for improving the game for seniors and high-handicap players.
While studying golf course architecture in Scotland, Kari traveled extensively throughout the UK to study legendary courses including Royal Dornoch, North Berwick, Sunningdale, Swinley Forest, and the Old Course at St. Andrews. These experiences shaped her design philosophy, which blends strategic challenge, universal playability, environmental stewardship, and a deep respect for the history and beauty of the land. Her work reflects a commitment to community integration, water and resource conservation, and honoring classic design traditions.
Kari has also contributed to the game beyond her design work, serving on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Women’s Public Golf Association and The First Tee of Minneapolis.
Kari is an esteemed Associate Member of The European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA), an organization renowned for its dedication to excellence in golf course architecture. The EIGCA proudly represents Europe’s most qualified and accomplished golf course architects, showcasing a diverse array of talent and expertise within the field. Members of the EIGCA have demonstrated, through their exceptional skill, extensive experience, and rigorous training, that they possess the knowledge necessary to design and oversee the construction of golf courses that meet the highest international standards for quality and sustainability. This membership not only reflects Kari's commitment to the profession but also emphasizes the importance of adhering to best practices in the design and maintenance of golf courses across Europe.
During her time in the Golf Course Architecture Program at The University of Edinburgh, Kari explored some of the world's oldest golf courses. Inspired by her studies in Scotland, the UK, and Scandinavia, her design approach emphasizes community connection and environmental stewardship. Scottish villages proudly feature golf courses that serve all members of the community, while in Sweden, courses maintain a strong local bond. In Britain, dog owners often stroll through out-of-play areas. This community focus complements Kari's philosophy, alongside the challenge, strategy, playability, ecology, and aesthetics of Scotland’s historic courses. She will bring creativity and innovation to your projects, creating unforgettable golf experiences.
Our Design Philosophy
Kari’s design philosophy is anchored in four key principles:
1. Create engaging golf challenges
2. Design a course that ensures fun and playability for all golfers
3. Foster opportunities for unforgettable golf experiences
4. Develop eco-conscious designs that prioritize environmental and economic sustainability
Having competed both seriously and recreationally, Kari firmly believes that a golf course should be crafted to provide enjoyment and accessibility for every golfer. As the “baby boomers” transition into later stages of life, women’s golf gains momentum, and junior golfers evolve, there will be an increasing demand for thoughtfully designed forward tees. Concurrently, there will still be a necessity for designing exciting strategic challenges tailored for low handicappers.
While a multitude of elements come together to shape exceptional golf challenges, the core of strategic allure lies within the hazard. Frequently, it is the formidable hazard that, once overcome, etches a memorable experience in a golfer’s mind. Kari has conducted extensive research into the factors that contribute to memorable places and events, and she will implement design techniques that enhance this memorability.
Sustainable Design
Sustainability lies at the core of Kari’s philosophy in golf course design. We assert that for a golf course to truly thrive, its design must meet environmental, economic, and social objectives. Firstly, the natural environment is fundamental to both the game and the industry; without it, neither would thrive. Secondly, golf is a source of enjoyment, often played in the company of friends amidst the splendor of nature. For the sport to be sustainable, it is essential to attract new golfers. Lastly, golf is also a business aimed at generating profit. Economic sustainability is crucial for reinvesting in the environment, enhancing the golf course, and drawing in new participants. The diagram above illustrates the interconnected “layer-cake-like” relationships among the golf environment, culture, and economy.
Time = Money
While sustainability serves as our cornerstone, our ambition extends beyond mere self-renewal and maintenance. We aim to create golf courses, facilities, and community connections that not only sustain but also enhance and generate value, ultimately benefiting the community. This includes providing recreational opportunities for residents, fostering habitats, stimulating local businesses and micro-economies, and either enhancing existing ecosystems or regenerating those that have been damaged. We believe that time and resources spent on maintenance that contradicts natural processes is a financial misstep. Therefore, we prioritize collaboration with the natural ecosystems of your property, crafting designs that are environmentally conscious. Our efforts will focus on maximizing water and land conservation, utilizing native plants to establish bio-filters and habitats, and ensuring that ecosystems continue to function in the integrated and harmonious manner they were designed to interact.
The game of golf has endured through the ages due to its appeal to those who seek it. Consequently, the sport's popularity has flourished for centuries.
However, the dawn of the 21st century brought about transformation. Advancements in technology and communication have accelerated human activity to unprecedented levels, turning time into an invaluable resource. As families face increasing time constraints, the sustainability of golf in its traditional form is now in question. Course owners, developers, and municipalities are becoming increasingly aware of the cultural and economic factors influencing the sport's continuity, prompting them to seek innovative strategies for its preservation.
In light of these changes, KHP&D has created a comprehensive set of adaptable, responsible, imaginative, and resourceful concepts that can guide the design of your golf course renovation or new construction, ensuring it aligns with your vision for the property while achieving your business objectives.
Our Clients
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