Oulun Golf approves €3.7m expansion with nine new holes in Sankivaara

Oulun Golf’s extraordinary general meeting has approved a €3.7 million expansion of its Sankivaara course, adding nine new holes over the coming years, Yle reports.

The decision followed a three-hour meeting and a vote in which 65% of shareholders backed the project, while 35% opposed it. The meeting’s start was delayed by an hour due to high attendance from shareholders.

Construction of the new nine-hole course is set to begin with earthworks and forest clearing in autumn 2027, followed by shaping in 2028 and seeding in summer 2029. The earliest the new holes could open for play is summer 2030.

The total cost of €3.7 million includes renovating the current practice area. The expansion itself is budgeted at €3.3 million, with shareholders covering approximately €1.5 million through fees. The work will not disrupt play on existing holes.

CEO Petri Väänänen called the decision significant for golf in Oulu, particularly for youth participation, which is currently growing fastest at the club. The company will also explore public funding options, such as sports facility grants.

By the 2030s, Sankivaara will have two 18-hole courses and one nine-hole course.