Master Golf, Forest Course: Authentic Finnish Forest Golf

Nestled amid the idyllic mixed forests east of Lake Bodom, not far from the Finnish capital of Helsinki, the Master Golf Club’s Forest Course offers a charming yet tactically challenging woodland golfing experience. Opened in 1992 as a nine-hole course and expanded to 18 holes in 1997, the course harmoniously complements the classic parkland layout of the neighboring Master Course.

With a total length ranging from 4,035 to 5,951 meters across five rated tees, the Par-72 course is by no means an insurmountable “distance monster,” but it challenges golfers with noticeable elevation changes that dynamically alter effective shot distances time and again.

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Front Nine: Precision Over Distance and the Toughest Par-5

Even on the first nine holes, it becomes clear that on this terrain, precision clearly takes precedence over distance. Anyone who hits the ball too close to the dense rows of trees will quickly find themselves facing difficult recovery shots, while well-placed shots open up good scoring opportunities.

After a gentle dogleg to start, the third hole already demands full concentration: Designated as a double-dogleg Par-5, it’s considered the toughest hole of the entire round and requires intelligent course management as well as precise drives. Shortly thereafter, the 5th hole makes a visual impression: a short Par-3 whose green is defended by a massive Bunker in front and a water hazard on the right. Across undulating Fairways, the course leads to an atmospheric conclusion to the front nine at an elevated green.

Back Nine: Strategic Water Hazards and a Final Lake Panorama

The back nine is characterized by strategic water hazards and distinctive course layouts. Among the highlights—both in terms of play and visual appeal—is the Par-3 12th hole, which borders directly on a pond and skillfully balances risk with reward.

Water once again dominates holes 14 and 15; on the 15th, water frames the driving landing zone on both sides. The challenging finale begins with the 17th hole, a Par-5 up to 520 meters long with plenty of water in the landing zone as well as in the lay-up area. The final hole rewards players from the elevated tee with a fantastic view of the lake before the Fairway curves to the left and leads to the final green.

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A fine masterpiece of Finnish golf architecture

The Forest Course proves to be a fine masterpiece of Finnish golf architecture, combining dense forest sections, gentle hills, and skillfully placed obstacles into a varied round. Golfers who prefer tactical intelligence and the natural beauty of the landscape to sheer distance will find a sporting home here that is as entertaining as it is challenging.