The Finns grabbed two World Championship golds in speedgolf: “It feels super amazing”

Finns succeeded almost perfectly in the speedgolf world championships in Japan. The championships came in two series.

Milla Hallanoro and Pertti Palosuo won the World Cup gold in the doubles competition and Marko Kuningas was number one in the senior series. Hallanoro was fourth in the women’s individual race.

“It feels super amazing. This is what a winner feels like. I run out of words, but the atmosphere is great. I knew how to hope for victory and I knew that I was strong. I’m a bit surprised,” said the King.

On Thursday, Kuningas played on the Seven Hundred Club court, played the first round of the competition with 80 strokes (40+40) and ran the court for 47 minutes and 29 seconds.

The second round on Friday was completed with 78 strokes (40+38), and the run was completed in 46:29. Thus, his final result was 251.58. Australian Damian Mills lost the gold by quite a bit (256.27).

“My running speed was better than others. I was good at that. There was also a lot of good psychology involved. It was quite quiet among the competitors at the breakfast table”, laughed the King.

“The victory was a dream come true. A big deal, which I didn’t expect.”

Finns have been very successful in speed golf competitions. What is it based on?

“Finland is a cold country, it attracts humility. A lot of work has to be done for things,” Kuningas said.

The reigning senior world champion Timo Eskeli was sixth on the Japanese track. Even in the summer, he wasn’t even sure if he would participate because of leg problems.

“I’m surprised that I was able to perform so hard. The two best rounds of the season hit here at the right time,” said the 63-year-old Eskeli.

Two years ago, the minimum age limit for the senior series was 60 years, but now it has been lowered to 55 years.

Ever previously, Finland had not won a pair competition. In the end, the championship of Hallanoro and Palosuo was overwhelming.

The pair cleared the field on Friday with 87 strokes (47+40), which was the best of the mixed competition.

“I feel good, even though the day was hard. We came to the end. Let’s see if the championship will be defended in a couple of years in New Zealand,” said Palosuo.

“There was a good feeling during the game,” Hallanoro continued.

In the men’s series, the best Finn was Ville Heinonenwhich was 14th

Japan won the championship Jin Ohta. He played the course for par (72) in 74 strokes and was also the fastest runner.