Championships of Finnish Disabled Golfers (FDG) Association at Tuusula Golf Club, 26–27.10.2024

On the last weekend of October, Tuusula Golf Club hosted the FDG Association’s championships, bringing together members of the association and golf enthusiasts from all over Finland. The two-day competition offered unforgettable moments for both players and spectators as the Finnish autumn displayed its best in bright yet chilly weather.

Day One: Two-Person Scramble
The event kicked off on Saturday with a scramble team competition sponsored by Intersport Jumbo, where FDG members formed two-person teams. The event wasn’t just a competition; it was a celebration that combined teamwork, strategy, and humor. In the scramble format, each player takes a tee shot, and the team chooses the better ball position to continue from together.

The competition took place on the picturesque autumn course of Tuusula Golf Club, known especially for its challenging back nine, which tests even the most experienced players. The autumn conditions added their own twist to the game, as dewy greens and cool air demanded precision play.

FDG teams faced off against teams formed by other players, and the atmosphere of the competition was supportive and warm from start to finish. Intersport Jumbo rewarded the winners with great prizes, and a total of 44 teams participated in the tournament. For FDG members, the event was also an important opportunity to build community and share their passion for golf with both new and experienced players.

Continue reading

Czech Disabled Open 2024


The Czech Disabled Open 2024 took place on August 23–25 at Golf Resort Česká Lípa in the Czech Republic. The tournament was part of the European Disabled Golf Tour (EDGA Tour) and attracted participants from various countries, including Finland.

Turkey’s Mehmet Kazan successfully defended his championship title, with his victory reflecting consistent and strong performance under all weather conditions. Kazan’s game showcased both strategic course management and technical skill. As the 2023 champion, he played a steady and methodical tournament, securing another victory and continuing his winning streak in this prestigious competition.

Continue reading

Tynkkis Invitational Trophy 2023


The Finnish Disabled Golfers (FDG) Association’s championship, more commonly known as the Tynkkis Invitational Trophy golf tournament, has become a cherished tradition. This year, the event took place at Tahko Golf and set new records for participation, excitement, and sophistication. Many members of the association signed up to compete for the tournament victory, promising two days of golf and camaraderie for players and spectators alike.

The first competition day dawned with rainy autumn weather, though the sun occasionally peeked through the clouds. The course was in top condition, and the fairways of Tahko’s Old Course awaited the players. Many arrived at the Tahko Golden Resort the day before to prepare for the challenges ahead.

The course, in its autumn splendor, was perfectly prepared, and the atmosphere was filled with anticipation as players arrived at the clubhouse, ready to begin the tournament. Warm greetings and handshakes were exchanged, with everyone wishing one another good luck.

Continue reading

European Individual Championship, EDGA/EGA 2023


The European Paragolf Championships were held in the Netherlands from July 19 to July 22, 2023, at the golf course known as “The Dutch.” Designed by golfing legend Colin Montgomerie, this course, often referred to as “a piece of Scotland in the Netherlands,” was built with the intent of creating a challenging competition golf course in Europe.

Upon arriving at the clubhouse, we were struck by the stunning setting, with every detail meticulously maintained. It truly felt like a world of its own. Despite being in the Netherlands, stepping into the clubhouse felt like walking onto Scottish soil.

The preparations to get the course competition-ready were on par with those for the DP World Tour events, which the course has hosted multiple times.

The tournament brought together the world’s best players across three categories: 64 male players, 10 female players, and 6 wheelchair players, for a total of 80 participants. Representing Finland were Tero Peltola, Simo Kosunen, Johannes Siikonen, and Tony Siven.

Challenges for the Finnish Team
The tournament posed challenges for the Finnish team. Narrow fairways and windy conditions made the course particularly demanding. The imaginative short game was critical on this course, as the greens were highly contoured and exceptionally fast. Despite the difficulties, the team maintained a positive attitude throughout the competition. The best Finnish player was Simo Kosunen.

For Johannes Siikonen, this was his 16th international championship. Unfortunately, his tournament ended in the second round due to an injury. For Tony Siven and Simo Kosunen, these were their first individual international championships. Overall, all players gained valuable experience in playing at this level of competition.

Winners
Men’s Division Winner: Tommaso Perrino, with a three-round score of +2.
Women’s Division Winner: Daphne Van Houten, with a score of +32.
Wheelchair Division Winner: Richard Kluwen, with a score of +70.

METSEK Disabled Matchplay Championships 2021

METSEK Disabled Matchplay Championships 2021 was held 17.-18.9.2021 top condition Master Golf Forest and Master -courses.

The weather throughout the event was autumn cold and windy but dry, with the exception of a few brief rain. The prevailing conditions did not bother the players, as this was the first time in Finland that there were match play championships for golfers with disabilities. A total of 8 golfers took part of tournaments according their golf handicap. Players were divided into two baskets, also based on their golf handicap, after which the drawn first-round match pairs were ready to start the action. The game format was Matchplay without golf handicaps.

“Such an event is a great idea,” said Jukka Syrjänen, one of the pioneers of golfers with disabilities in Finland. “Usually we have only played stroke play kind of tournaments in Finland, so this form of play is a stimulus and a much-needed addition to the competition calendar. As soon as I heard about this event, I thought that i should get involved,” Syrjänen continues. In general, the message was parallel for all players in the tournament. An event like this has been in demand for a long time.

17.9.2021 at 15.00 Jari Vihanne had the honor of hitting the opening shot of the historic tournament. Other players had gathered around the No. 1 tii on Master’s Forest course to witness the event. The first shot was successful and the ball landed in the middle of the fairway, accompanied by applauses. When asked “Did you get nervous?” Vihanne said with a laugh, “No. This is where this game is just beginning, an awesome event coming.”

Continue reading

3rd On italian Open 2018

What amazing week on Italian Open, that was played Beautiful Golf Crema Resort. Par 73 course.

I was 3rd in gross. First time in years Finnish player has been this high on EDGA European Tour tournament outside of Finland.

1. Joakim Björkman Sweden 71 80 151
2. Mick Horsley England 72 85 157
3. Johannes Siikonen Finland 87 91 178

Total 13 players.

More information you can find here: http://www.federgolf.it/18-italian-open-for-disabled/

Video of the tournament: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=share&v=jCatVn0LtxQ

Lebo-Golf scolarship

Honored and humble to receive Lebo-Golf scolarship with other two talented athletes, Inkki Inola and Ilona Virtanen. Thank you so much Pirjo, Lefa, Irja, Jukka and others who made this possible. And all the best to Lebo for next steps on your amazing journey.  

Historical day in golf: Disabled gross stokeplay golf integrated in Finland

For the first time ever Finnish disabled gross champion was selected at the same time with abled Finnish gross champions. Same course, same field, from mens back tee.

The disabled golfers played together with best Finnish players in the National Championships of Finland. Tournament was open for amateur and professional golfers. The disabled players had their own categorie first time ever at the Finnish Championships held in Turku, Aura Golf last weekend.

Seven disabled golfers with lowest handicap participated the National Championships. The new Finnish Champion is Petri Takkunen (82-90), who won Tero Peltola (90-83) with one shot after two rounds. The transplant player Raimo Juuti (92-88) took the third place.

Continue reading