The Finnish golf landscape is witnessing a monumental shift with the arrival of Golf Star, a concept hailing from Sweden that is transforming how golf memberships operate. During the bustling Golf Expo, I had the chance to sit down with Tuomas Snäkin, the director of Golf Star Finland, to discuss this groundbreaking venture.
A New Era for Finnish Golf
Tuomas, a seasoned professional in the golf industry since 2017, has witnessed firsthand the evolving dynamics of golf in Finland. With his vast experience, including selling Hirvesalo Golf to GoGolf and holding various significant positions within GoGolf, Tuomas is now steering the Golf Star ship in Finnish waters.
Golf Star, primarily known in Sweden, is about to become a significant player in Finland, thanks to its novel approach. “Our business model is based on the idea that one golfer can only use one tee at a time,” Tuomas explains. This model allows golfers access to multiple courses without the hefty membership fees traditionally associated with each course.
The acquisition by Caddies Europe Ab of four Finnish golf centers from GoGolf’s bankruptcy estate marks Golf Star’s bold entry into Finland. This includes the 27-hole Kurk Golf and ranges like Leppävaaran Range and Megarange in the capital area, as well as Hirvensalon Golf in Turku. As a result, Finnish golfers are now part of a larger community, with over 50,000 golfers playing across Golf Star’s networks in Sweden, Spain, and Finland.
Unveiling Golf Star’s Offerings
Golf Star’s main product, the “Play Large” membership, exemplifies this new paradigm. Priced competitively at €699, it offers golfers three concurrent bookings, a 30-day booking horizon, and unrestricted access to Golf Star courses in Sweden and Spain, alongside Finnish courses.
The reception from the Finnish golfing community has been overwhelmingly positive. “Many players have seen the value in being able to cross the sea and play in Sweden with their local membership,” Tuomas notes, highlighting the added value Golf Star brings to its members.
The Golf Star Mission
Tuomas envisions a future where Golf Star expands its reach, particularly in the Helsinki and Turku areas, offering more variety and quality at competitive prices. The company aims to provide the “most golf for your money,” a principle that guides their approach to customer satisfaction and service.
The initial feedback from the Finnish golf community is a testament to Golf Star’s potential to reshape the market. By offering more choices and flexibility, Golf Star is poised to attract a wider range of players, from seasoned veterans to newcomers eager to explore the sport. As Golf Star continues to grow, it promises to be a game-changer in the Finnish golf scene, bringing a fresh perspective to the traditional golf membership model.
As the 2024 golf season approaches, Golf Star Finland, under Tuomas’s leadership, is set to offer an unprecedented golfing experience. The blend of quality, accessibility, and value is likely to attract many to this new way of enjoying golf, making the sport more accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience.
This innovative approach not only democratizes the game but also enriches the golfing experiences available in Finland. With Golf Star, the future of Finnish golf looks brighter and more inclusive than ever, Tuomas summarises.
