Janne is the course manager at four-times GEO Certified Hirsala Golf in Finland. His other roles in the industry include Chairman, the Finnish Greenkeepers Association, Consultant for the Finnish Golf Union and a member of the advisory committee sub-groups at STERF.
Janne is at the forefront of sustainable golf in Finland. He is well-respected and admired for his dedication to more environmentally-friendly greenkeeping. His work continues to be an inspiration for many in golf, not just in Finland but across Europe.
Taking Hirsala to new heights
Hirsala Golf was first GEO Certified in 2010 and has cemented its commitment to sustainability in 2014, 2017 and 2021 with recertification. The club is a fantastic example for others in Finland and continues to undertake new projects and activities to keep improving.
Janne’s skills and expertise have seen him work as a volunteer greenkeeper at several tournaments, including The Ryder Cup at Le Golf National in 2018 and the 2017 Dunhill Links and Women’s British Open at Kingsbarns Golf Links. He’s also enjoyed spells as a greenkeeper in Melbourne, Australia and at Loch Lomond Golf Club in Scotland.
Janne is also a regular contributor to content for awareness days which are marked by GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf online. He was one of the inaugural Sustainable Golf Champions when the initiative launched in January 2020.
Janne regularly shares Sustainable Golf Highlights from Hirsala, which cover fostering nature, conserving resources, taking climate action and strengthening communities. Some recent examples include helping boost the local trout population in the stream that runs through the course, switching to renewable fuel for course maintenance machinery, planting wildflowers to help pollinators and making new tee markers using fallen branches.
He’s always open and willing to contribute to local groups to benefit Hirsala and the local community. As an organization, it’s been fantastic to see the momentum kept up at Hirsala, thanks to Janne and his greenkeeping team.
Janne’s hard work and willingness to share knowledge with others are a real asset to the Sustainable Golf Community. You can see more of his sustainable golf projects on Instagram.
