Pickala Golf in southern Finland has appointed Lassi Pekka Tilander to design a new golf course, which will be the shortest of its four layouts.

The new nine-hole, par-three layout will be called the Rock and it will join the club’s three 18-hole courses: Forest, Park and Seaside.

“The area reserved for the Rock course is unique,” said Tilander. “The ancient rocks, partly covered with moss and low-growing conifers, create a magical atmosphere. The golfing experience will be new to players; building a standard course on such a site is impossible. But it is perfect for a stunning par-three course as each hole does not require much more than a tee and a green.”

Holes will range from 85 to 235 metres, with the course being built between the Forest and Park courses.

The second, third, fifth, seventh and eighth holes will all feature tee shots across water. Tees will be elevated, providing long-range visuals across the course, with the biggest height difference between tee and green being nine metres, found on the fifth, which has an island green.

“Greens will be designed to be diverse, even the best players will not find the course easy,” said Tilander. “The holes are gentle enough for less experienced players when played from the shortest tee.

“Rock’s construction budget, estimated at approximately €3 million euros, guarantees a high-quality and uncompromising construction. It’ll be more money spent per square metre than on any other Finnish golf course.”

Construction will begin with heavy earthworks in autumn. The goal is for the course to open in summer 2024.

Pickala has also recently appointed Nicklaus Design to develop a master plan for the renovation of its Park course, which is expected to be complete in early 2023. Dirk Bouts is leading the project for Nicklaus Design.