Three top-class courses, an impressive layout, beautiful and rugged nature with boulders, sand dunes, forest ponds and river Sanginjoki, as well as the northern summer and the peaceful rounds of the night - that's what Oulu Golf is made of. The full-size courses, Sanki and Vaara, were designed by Ronald Fream and his office. Fream is one of the world's most respected course architects, and his insightful touch can also be seen here if you take the time to enjoy the moment. Fream's characteristic tactical elements and skilful use of natural forms are magnificently evident on both courses.
Vaara course you can also play as a 9-hole course
(New Vaara 1-9 or Old Vaara 10-18).
Audi e-tron par-3 course is one of the best "Par3" in Finland, with artificial grass greens that also make it possible to extend the season in these northern latitudes. Sankivaara was opened as a 27-hole course in spring 1992. The Sankivaara area is ideal for a golf course. In the flat Oulu region, Sankivaara is in a class of its own, thanks to its varied terrain and altitude differences. Sanginjoki River also provides pleasure for the eye and soul. In 2005, the 9 holes of the new Vaara were completed, sealing Oulu Golf's place as the largest golf centre in the north.
Now Oulu Golf's 42-hole golf centre in Sankivaara provides a great setting for the sport. The playing season typically starts in May and ends with the arrival of winter in October and November.
Sanki-course
Completed in 1992, Sanki has traditionally been seen as Oulu Golf's so-called competition course. The course is varied, slightly longer than its sister course and has an interesting layout, which can also be made quite demanding from the back tees. It runs through the beautiful northern nature of Sankivaara. The course is characterised by pine forests, varied sandy terrain and beautiful riverside scenery. The pearl of the Sanki is a rather tricky fairway, number 16, which runs along the Sanki-river. The fairway follows the Sanki-river all the way, and the entrance to the green comes into a rather small gap between the river and the forest. Here you have to be careful not to drown your ball in river. The course follows the traditional out and in layout, with the first nine being played away from the club and the back nine being dropped towards the club. There is of course a quality kiosk halfway through, with food and refreshments to suit all tastes.
| Sanki course map |
Vaara-course
The Vaara course consists of a new (1-9) and an old Vaara (10-18), which are booked in separate slots starting from the club and ending back at the club. The jewel in the crown of Vaara, and perhaps at Oulu Golf, is Vaara 5. One of the most beautiful and interesting Par3 in Finland, with dramatic boulders hovering between the tee box and the green. The stones also partially surround the large shapely green. With its surrounding natural and architectural setting, the Vaara 5 is the pathway that Oulungolfers talk about and visitors remember.
On the back-nine, the terrain changes slightly and the greens are larger. The fairways are one after the other different in the pine landscape. Only couple of fairways have a view of the next one, making it easy to sink into the round and concentrate on the game - something that is really needed on the "back fairway", as the fairways are not very long for a club tee, but bring the game tactics from the tee. With a wet head on every narrow fairway, there's no need to drive, but tactical positioning can bring the best results, allowing you to approach the large, lumpy greens with more control.
| Vaara course map |
Audi e-tron Par 3
Open to all, the Audi e-tron Par 3 course is one of Finland's top Par 3. It's a great place for practice and extending the playing season in these northern latitudes, but also offers beginners and corporate events a taste of real golf. The course has been designed by Jari Rasinkangas of GolfArk Oy. The 6-hole course is characterised by clear, large greens and links-style mounds to guide play along the fairways.
The course is a great first introduction to golf, an open competition arena for corporate events and groups, as well as an added spice for experienced players to practice approaches and close game.
| Audi e-tron Par 3 -map |
