Disc golf course renovation draws crowds in small Finnish village

A newly renovated disc golf course in Ilmajoki’s Ahonkylä has attracted around 1,000 players weekly since reopening in mid-June after a two-year overhaul, reports Yle.

The 18-hole course, set in a forested area with holes ranging from 60 to 210 meters, was designed to accommodate both casual and competitive play. Project manager Juho Keskinen of Lakeus Disc Golf noted that evening crowds are common but welcomed the high turnout.

Disc golf has surged in popularity in Finland, ranking 12th among adult sports and surpassing activities like Nordic walking, according to a study by the Huippu-urheiluinstituutti KIHU. Among men, it ranks 8th, outpacing golf and ice hockey. Tapani Aulu, executive director of the Finnish Disc Golf Association, said the sport continues to grow, with record membership and more official competitions this year than ever before.

The Ahonkylä course features water hazards, a pergola, large tee pads, and unique stone structures. The €126,000 renovation, funded by local development groups, also included over €70,000 in volunteer labor, with some contributors logging over 1,000 hours.