Åland Golf club – a Finnish top club
Ålands Golfklubb, founded in 1975, has a fabulous location on a headland between two inlets by the medieval Kastelholm Castle. It offers two 18-hole courses and a 6-hole par 3 course. In 2023, Slottsbanan, the gem of the club, was elected the best course in Finland.
Challenges in beautiful archipelago
The park-like Slottsbanan seaside course close to Slottsundet Bay is the oldest course at Åland’s Golf club. In 2020, the 18-hole course was rebuilt and reopened. The playing surfaces on the modern 18-hole course were then improved and the view over the sea bay and Kastelholm Castle became better than ever, which makes the course even more fun to play.
The slightly easier but still tricky and demanding 18-hole course Kungsbanan is located in a naturally beautiful forest scenery. The holes vary, alternating between the more open and the tighter variety, which provides for an enjoyable sporting challenge.
The Prinsessan short hole course has six par-3 holes. The full-sized greens are perfect if you want to sharpen your short game.
The best course in Finland
When Finnish golfers recently voted for their favorite course, the Slottsbanan, ranked third in 2021, rose to the top of the rankings, setting a record score. The course also won in the categories of best-designed course, most beautiful course, and best condition. Thus, Ålands Golfklubb solidified its position as the best domestic golf club in 2023.
Also Kungsbanan ranks high among Finnish courses, coming in 20th in the rankings, which includes 137 Finnish courses.
Host for European Tour
Furthermore, Slottsbanan has had the honor of hosting international golf tournaments, which entails close collaboration with tournament organizers' experts on course maintenance and setup. This, in turn, contributes to further raising the facility's quality.
For example, during the late summer of 2022, the Ladies European Tour, LET, visited Ålands Golfklubb and Slottsbanan. The tournament course was praised by visitors, many of whom deemed Slottsbanan as one of the best courses they had played on throughout the entire tournament year.
And if that weren't enough credentials, Slottsbanan's 10th hole is counted among the best in Europe.
Strategy important
The Slottsbanan course offers seaview from each of its 18 holes and water has a significant role in the game. As an example, holes 9 and 10, which are right by the Slottsundet Bay, have a view directly towards the Kastelholm Castle. There you can – if you dare – hit straight over the water to shorten the distance to the flag. The possibilities for a more tactical game have increased due to the rebuilding of the course. Now the holes can be played in a wide range of ways, depending on how good of a golfer you are.
Swedish Golf-coach Henri Reis praises the Slottsbanan course in its entirety, but highlights three things above all.
- The Slottsbanan course is a fantastic and modern golf course, which is suitable for every golfer out there. The course offers challenges for skilled golfers who receive a large exchange from the course. Especially nice are the course’s greens as well as run-off areas and bunkers which create excitement and diversity.
Great service at the club house
The club house is at the centre of the facility. This is where the reception is, as well as immaculate changing rooms, showers and sauna, not to mention a well-stocked golf shop and restaurant, famous for its excellent fish dishes and affordable home-cooked lunches.
There are large practice greens for putting and a green where you can practise both your approach and bunker shots next to the club house.
Ålands Golfklubb also provides tailor-made instruction based on every player’s abilities and time frame. Beginners’ courses and courses to prepare for green card certification are also available.
Ålands Golfklubb
Address: Kastelholmsnäsvägen 22, AX-22520 Sund. About 20 minutes drive from Mariehamn.
Courses: Two 18-hole courses, Slottsbanan and Kungsbanan. Short distance course Prinsessan, 6 holes.
Other services: Drivingrange, practice green, club house, shop and restaurant.
Combine golf with other activities
Family members who accompany you on your golfing holiday will find plenty of activities in the vicinity of the course. There are often children’s activities organised in Jan Karlsgården and Kastelholm Castle, and there is a shallow beach in the Bomarsund fortress area. You can also swim in Åland’s Sports Centre, which is a ten-minute drive from the golf course – perfect for those cloudier days.
All adults who don’t play golf find many interesting places to visit as well. The Stallhagen brewery and Johannas Hembakta bakery in Finström and Åland Distillery in Kastelholm are just a few of all sites to recommend. Try new tastes, take a long coffee break and enjoy your holiday!
Stay near the golf courses
Klingbergs Stugor are located near the Kungsbanan and are a popular choice of accommodation for many golfers. The six cabins and the more exclusive Villa Marina are situated approximately 2 km from the golf club’s reception area. There is a beach sauna by the cabins and catering is available.
Kastelholms Gästhem is also situated a short distance from the golf courses and is popular among golfers. The guesthouse has double rooms with 1–3 additional beds in each room, dormitories, and serves breakfast. There are several other options for accommodation further away.
Should you come to Åland in your own boat, Kastelholm guest harbour Marina Melina is within rowing distance right opposite the Slottbanan.
Book a golf trip “all in one”
Make it simple and book your golf trip at once. Our golf packages include a return trip to Åland, accommodation and, most important, golf.
