best golf courses in Finland
The golf season is in full swing, making it the perfect time to explore the golf courses in Finland! In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 courses that our users have rated as the best in this country. The competition was incredibly close, with only a few decimals separating the rankings!
In 2024, Finland has a total of 125 golf courses, catering to around 140,000 affiliated Finnish players. This impressive number places Finland among the top 10 countries in Europe for the highest number of registered golfers. The growth of golf in Finland reflects the sport’s rising popularity and the country’s commitment to providing excellent facilities for both amateurs and professionals.
With a diverse range of courses spread across the country, golfers in Finland have ample opportunities to enjoy the game in picturesque settings, making it an increasingly popular destination for golf enthusiasts.
Address: Vanajanlinnantie 485, 13330 Harviala, Finland
Linna Golf Course
Linna Golf Course, which opened in 2005, winds its way through a picturesque pine and birch forest adjacent to the historic Vanajan Linna Hotel. Since its opening, Linna has not only achieved national acclaim but also regularly ranks among the top 100 best golf courses in Europe.
Linna Golf was designed by European Golf Design, led by Tim Lobb, adhering to USGA specifications. As a member of the European Tour Courses group, Linna has hosted prestigious events such as the Challenge Tour in 2009 and the European Amateur Championships in 2010, with aspirations to host a European Tour event soon.
The course features mature forested land and several water hazards, offering stunning views of Lake Katuma. It caters to all skill levels, with back tees providing a tough challenge for professionals, while club golfers can enjoy a more forgiving layout. The greens are exceptionally maintained, typically running between 10-12 on the Stimpmeter.
Golf legend Peter Thomson, a five-time Open Champion, praised Linna Golf, stating, “I doubt there is a better course in Scandinavia. The terrain is excellent and has been used in the best way possible to create a course with a great variety of holes that will challenge all standards of golfers. In time, I believe Linna Golf will become a national treasure.”
In June 2017, Linna Golf hosted the inaugural European Tour Properties Senior Classic, where Spain’s Santiago Luna secured his third European Senior Tour title by one shot.
Address: Kastelholmsnasvagen 22, Kastelholm, Aland, Finland
Alands Golf Club – Castle Course
The Alands Golf Club – Castle Course stands proudly on the Aland Islands, earning its reputation as one of the best Finland golf courses. This course was rated the 4th best golf course in Finland by Golf Digest in 2001.
Contrary to what one might expect from a remote location, Alands Golf Club ambitiously built not just one but two 18-hole courses (the King’s and the Castle) right from its inception in 1983. Designed by architect Jan Sederholm, these courses were developed in the shadow of the medieval Kastelholm Castle to cater to the locals’ and visitors’ golfing passion.
The Castle Course, the longer of the two, is a beautifully designed parkland course measuring just under 6,000 meters from the back tees. The par-72 layout is unique with its eight par fours, five par fives, and five par threes.
In September 2018, the Castle Course closed for significant renovations and reopened in the summer of 2020. Philip Christian Spogárd of Spogárd & VanderVaart led the redesign, incorporating the sea more prominently into the course’s strategy. Several holes were moved closer to the shoreline, providing a striking new layout while maintaining the original hole corridors.
Adam Lawrence of Golf Course Architecture praised the redesigned Castle Course, stating, “All in all, the new Castle course is clearly destined to be a very fine piece of work indeed, one of the best in Scandinavia, perhaps even among the best in Europe….”
Address: Kytajantie 1265, 05720 Hyvinkaa, Finland
Kytaja Golf – North West Course
Finnish industrialist Yrjo Laakkonen knew exactly who to call for his ambitious golf project on the rugged terrain northwest of Helsinki: Canadian architect Thomas McBroom. McBroom’s expertise in designing courses on challenging landscapes, such as Ontario’s Muskoka region, made him the perfect fit for this endeavor.
McBroom’s skill in routing holes through dense woodland and over rocky outcrops was crucial to transforming the difficult terrain outside the Finnish capital into a championship-caliber golf course. This led to the creation of the South East course in 2003, followed by the North West course in 2004.
Already recognized as one of Scandinavia’s premier golf facilities, the Kytaja Golf Club, particularly the North West course, promises to get even better with time. Stretching to a formidable 7,145 yards from the back tees, the course challenges even the longest hitters, with three of its four par threes exceeding 185 yards.
Maintained to an exceptionally high standard, both the South East and North West courses benefit from top-notch greenkeeping during the short playing season, which runs from mid-May to mid-October. This ensures that the putting surfaces remain in pristine condition.
Address: Herrgardsvagen, 10410 Raseborg, Finland
Nordcenter Golf & Country Club – Fream Course
Ron Fream’s American golf design company, Golfplan, has been involved in the construction of nearly 100 courses worldwide, with over a dozen located in Scandinavia, France, and Portugal. One of their first European designs was at Nordcenter Golf & Country Club, situated on the edge of the Gulf of Bothnia, 50 miles west of Helsinki.
Nordcenter features two 18-hole championship courses: the Fream, designed by Ron Fream in 1987, and the Benz, created later by Brad Benz. Both par 72 courses offer distinct challenges, with the Benz being a bit shorter but tighter.
The Fream course boasts some stunning holes along the coastline, particularly from the 6th to the 8th. The elevated tee on the 6th hole offers breathtaking views down to the green at the water’s edge. Holes 7 and 8 feature narrow fairways that hug the shore, with water inlets threatening the approach to the greens, presenting wonderfully challenging golf.
The course is designed with minimal tree interference, except for significantly wayward shots, and water hazards come into play on holes 7, 8, 12, 14, and 17. A notable design feature is the shared green complexes at holes 2 and 8 and between the 4th and 13th holes to maximize land use.
Address: Cookentie 1, 19120 Vierumaki, Finland
Vierumaki Golf – Cooke Course
Vierumäki Golf – Cooke Course offers a unique challenge designed by renowned architect Graham Cooke. Opened in 2006, this course caters to all skill levels with generous fairways and strategically placed bunkers.
While water hazards come into play on a few holes, particularly around the 3rd, 6th, and 7th, the course’s charm lies in its contrasting landscapes. Open areas with deep blue lakes are juxtaposed with mature pine forests boasting steeper inclines. Cooke skillfully incorporated these natural features to create a memorable course that is both beautiful and playable. Vierumaki Cooke Course promises a delightful golfing experience in a mystical Finnish setting, from risk-reward opportunities on short par fours to stunning visuals.
Address: Golfkuja 5, 02580 Siuntio, Finland
Pickala Golf Club – Forest Course
Pickala Golf Club – Forest Course is a championship course designed by renowned Swedish architect Jan Sederholm. Opened in 2004, this 18-hole layout winds through the perimeter of the resort southwest of Helsinki, offering a scenic challenge for golfers of all levels.
While the terrain isn’t overly hilly, strategic bunkering, water hazards on keyholes (like the par-4 2nd and par-5 7th), and a generous helping of mature trees keep things interesting. Accuracy is rewarded here. Don’t miss the string of doglegs from holes 12 to 15 on the back nine, demanding thoughtful course management for a memorable Finnish golfing experience.
Address: Ruissalon puistotie 536, 20100 Turku, Finland
Aura Golf Course
Situated on Ruissalo Island near Turku, Finland, Aura Golf offers a historic golfing escape amidst a nature park. Founded in 1958 on a former castle estate, this course boasts a unique charm, with majestic oak trees lining most fairways. Upgraded in 1980 by Pekka Sivula, Aura has provided a scenic golfing haven for over 60 years.
The 18-hole course, though not overly long, presents a challenge with its strategic layout. Notably, the front nine features three par-three holes exceeding the usual distance, requiring a high level of accuracy. The back nine offers a similar test with two shorter par-threes flanking consecutive par-fives at 13 and 14.
While the golfing season is short (May to mid-October), be sure to avoid scheduling your visit during the renowned Ruisrock music festival, Europe’s second-oldest, to ensure a peaceful round surrounded by Finland’s natural beauty.
Address: Old Course, Klubitie 12, 73310 Tahkovuori, Finland
Tahko Golf Club – Old Course
In Finland’s heartland, beside Lake Syväri, lies Tahko Golf Club’s Old Course. Designed by Jan Sederholm, the course is famous for its scenic beauty. While summer offers a variety for Finns – horse riding, fishing, and mountain biking – golf holds its own. This popularity led to a second Tahko course in 2008.
The 18-hole Old Course stretches nearly 6,700 yards. The front nine winds through varied terrain and forests, with only the par-3 7th directly facing the lake. The back nine mirrors the front’s gentle slopes, but with a lakeside treat – three stunning holes (between the 12th par-3 and 14th par-4) hugging the shoreline. This course offers a delightful blend of challenge and breathtaking Finnish scenery.
Address: Aulangon-Heikkilän tie 91, 13900 Pekola, Finland
Aulanko Golf – Eversti Course
Stepping back in time at Aulanko Golf near Hameenlinna, Finland, the Eversti Course offers a scenic challenge designed by Lassi Pekka Tilander. Founded in 2006, it seamlessly blends with the surrounding 1880s landscape park, creating the illusion of an even older course.
This 18-hole layout stretches over 6,300 meters and is a perfect choice for golfers of varying skill levels. The course winds its way out and back, with the second nine featuring a balanced mix of par-3s, -4s, and -5s. Water comes into play on a few keyholes, adding strategic intrigue. The par-4 7th demands precision with a pond guarding the green, while the 17th, a daunting 435-meter par-4, throws another water hazard into the mix.
Aulanko Golf – Eversti Course promises a memorable Finnish golfing experience steeped in history and natural beauty.
Address: Valkolantie 68, 41350 Laukaa, Finland
Laukaan Peurunkagolf
Just outside Jyvaskyla, Finland, Laukaan Peurunkagolf offers a scenic challenge designed by American architect Ron Fream in the late 1980s. This 18-hole course is nestled between Lake Iso Peurunka and Pikku Peurunka with stunning lake views and a total length of 6,100 meters.
Water features prominently throughout, especially on the back nine. The par-3 16th is a true test, requiring an accurate shot across an inlet to a small island green. Both nines begin with inviting par-fives, while strategic doglegs like the 4th and 6th keep things interesting. Don’t miss the challenging par-5 14th on the back nine, where trouble lurks both left (out of bounds) and right (pond) of the green.
Golf courses in Finland offer a delightful blend of natural beauty, and strategic challenges, and cater to all skill levels. Whether you seek a lakeside escape, a historic course steeped in tradition, or a championship layout designed by a renowned architect, Finland has everything for you. So, grab your clubs, book your tee time, and get ready to experience the unique golfing adventure that awaits in the Land of a Thousand Lakes.
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