Northern Precision: Why Golf in Finland Is Flourishing

The sun hovers just above the horizon, casting a golden glow across dew-drenched fairways in southern Finland. Pines stand tall beside glass-still lakes, framing a scene that feels both wild and serene. It is in this natural setting that Finnish golf has quietly flourished, building a reputation for accessibility, innovation, and a commitment to the player experience. 

Though Finland has not always been front-of-mind when talking about global golf, the numbers tell a different story. With more than 154,000 registered golfers across a population of 5.5 million, Finland is among the most golf-active nations in Europe. That translates to nearly 2.8% of the population, placing Finland well above the European average of roughly 0.5%. More importantly, the game is widely dispersed, with over 120 golf courses across the country stretching from the capital region around Helsinki to the quiet, pine-covered landscapes of Lapland. 

The combination between youthful culture, widespread access, and a deep appreciation for nature has given Finland’s golf scene its unique character. 

COVID-19 and a shift in perception 

One of the most significant recent turning points came during the COVID-19 pandemic. While sports facilities across the world closed, Finland’s golf courses remained open, providing a rare space for recreation and socialization. 

“I have to say that the pandemic was good for golf in Finland,” Erofejeff-Engman reflects. “Golf was almost the only sport that stayed open. The season even started unusually early that year, and it brought many new players, especially young men. The number of women increased as well, though unfortunately that has since gone a little bit down again.” 

The surge in participation was significant, but perhaps the most lasting change was not in player numbers, but in perception. 

“Before the pandemic, media coverage was focused mostly on professional players and prize money. During the pandemic, the conversation shifted, suddenly golf was shown as a sport for everyone, good for your health, your mental wellbeing, and a way to enjoy beautiful courses,” she explains. 

This rebranding of golf in Finland from an elite, competitive activity to an inclusive, wellness-driven sport continues to shape how Finns view the game today. 

Accessibility and Inclusivity 

Making golf accessible has long been a central goal of the Finnish Golf Union. In a country where most sports facilities like swimming halls and ice rinks are municipally owned and subsidized, golf stands apart: every course in Finland is privately owned and operated. Despite this structural challenge, the Union has made strong progress in ensuring golf is seen as “a sport for everyone.” 

This focus on accessibility extends to inclusivity. Women currently make up about 25% of Finnish golfers, which is relatively strong by international standards, though the Union acknowledges there is room for growth. 

“It’s easy to get people on the course once, but keeping them is harder,” Erofejeff-Engman admits. “Together with golf clubs, we aim to find ways to engage new players and keep them committed to the sport. We also continue to learn from other federations. With juniors, we have been more successful, especially by showing parents that golf can be a year-round sport thanks to simulators and indoor events.”

Government Support: A Modest Contribution 

In Finland, golf has not traditionally received the same level of government funding as sports like ice hockey, football, or gymnastics. 

“The Finnish Golf Union receives funding from the government each year, but it’s quite small compared to other sports,” says Erofejeff-Engman. “In Finland, golfers mainly pay for the game themselves. Of course, clubs can apply for grants from the ministry, but overall we are not on the same level of support as other sports.” 

While this limited funding creates challenges, it also reinforces the importance of Finland’s clubs and private operators in shaping the future of the sport.  

The Power of Feedback 

One of the most impressive features of Finnish golf is its embrace of data-driven management. Platforms like Players 1st have become an integral part of how many clubs track performance and improve the customer journey. 

“About 80 clubs in Finland measure the customer experience using Players 1st.” notes Erofejeff-Engman. “Some clubs monitor data quite regularly, examining feedback from both members and guest players. For other clubs, collecting feedback from their own members is sufficient. Either way, the data helps everyone.” 

This culture of listening has contributed to Finland’s high satisfaction scores. Golfers are not just players, they are stakeholders whose voices shape decision-making. 

Sustainability: More than Innovation  

Sustainability is another area where Finland has attracted international recognition. From irrigation practices to machinery use, Finnish course managers have developed methods that minimize environmental impact without sacrificing playability. 

Knowledge-sharing plays a key role here. The Union maintains close ties with other federations and international bodies, both learning from and contributing to best practices. While the privately owned club model makes Finland different from neighbors like Sweden or Denmark, collaboration ensures that ideas and innovations continue to circulate. 

Challenges and Opportunities 

Despite its successes, Finnish golf still faces challenges. Retention remains a critical issue, especially for women and newcomers. Professional golf, too, is an area where Finland lags behind its Nordic neighbors. 

“We would like to have more professional players, of course,” says Erofejeff-Engman. “Role models can help, especially for young people. If a Finnish golfer were to win at the Olympic Games, it would be huge. Olympic success means so much for Finns.” 

The path to professional success is long and costly, and questions remain over who bears responsibility clubs, the Union, sponsors, or players themselves. Still, the Union is optimistic. 

Looking Ahead: Building for Growth 

When asked about the future, Erofejeff-Engman is clear: Finland has the potential to grow further, but infrastructure must keep pace. 

This balance between expanding participation and ensuring the infrastructure to sustain it will define the next decade of Finnish golf. 

Finland’s golf journey is not about size or tradition; it’s about smart, thoughtful development. With a young but thriving golf culture, strong grassroots accessibility, a commitment to sustainability, and a willingness to embrace data and feedback, Finland offers lessons for the entire golf world. 

As Erofejeff-Engman concludes: “We want golf in Finland to be for everyone and we are still working every day to make that a reality.”