Finnish golfers showcase mental strength at World Championships in Seinäjoki

In the World Championships for student golfers taking place in Seinäjoki at Ruuhikoski, six top Finnish players are competing under challenging conditions. Each female player interviewed emphasized the importance of mental strength in the sport.

Elina Saksa, representing Pickala Golf, stated, “The significance is immense. At the highest level, there is little difference in technical skill; the small variations emerge between the ears.” Juha Korhonen, executive director of the Finnish Golf Federation, echoed her sentiment, noting that the mentally demanding nature of the sport often dictates performance under pressure.

Saksa commented on the importance of handling setbacks, explaining, “For me, it’s about letting out a couple of expletives and moving on. There’s nothing more to be done.” She also highlighted her pre-game routines for relaxation, which include warming up in a specific order: putting, chipping, and practicing on the range.

Helmiina Rutanen from South Ostrobothnia mentioned her current approach to mental pressure, expressing that she tries to separate her identity from her golfing performance, stating, “No matter what happens on the course, it does not change who I am.”

Erika Kilpeläinen from Vaasa tries to forget immediate setbacks during her rounds and begins each hole “with a clean slate,” ensuring she maintains focus despite the challenges.

The championships, taking place from August 27 to 30, are hosted by Ruuhikoski Golf in cooperation with the Kuortane Sports Institute. Tapio Korjus, the institute’s director and a former Olympic gold medalist in javelin, emphasized the need for golfers to manage both their emotions and physical skills, reminding that top athletes should always perform at their peak, having trained their mental strengths over the years.