I started playing golf in late 1970's on the 9 hole Oulu golf course. The first years were the time of enthusiasm when you had to play every day.

During the 1980's I started to get interested in committee work at the Oulu Golf Club. For example I developed the first computer software for the club officials. In mid 80's the interest moved to course maintenance issues and I started working in the greenkeeping committee.

In the end of 80's the 9 hole course was getting too crowded. We needed a new course and started the work to plan the project. We visited a few courses and selected Golfplan to design the course. This was the first time I was introduced to Ronald Fream, the founder of Golfplan.

During the construction I was introduced to world class design methods. When seeing the drawings and high quality work I really knew that the work of a golf architect would not be easy. But on the other hand the overall process got me even more interested in golf architecture. This is how golf course architecture and course construction was to become my greatest passion.

My interest moved towards course design and course maintenance more and more. I started to study those issues thus getting deeper and better understanding about the insight and ideas of the great designers.

When we started a project to add new 9 holes to our 27 hole course, I was nominated as a design supervisor for the construction project and worked also as a contact person with the architect. When working with professional designers and contractors I got invaluable experience and hands-on practice on site.

During the project Ron asked about my interest in golf course design and after a while I just found myself working in the business.

Jari Rasinkangas
Golf Architect