The international golf rumors were there; a golf course under development that was expected to surprise the industry; a collaboration of a remarkable site, clear vision and a talented team to create a masterpiece on the west coast of Estonia.
Pärnu Bay Golf Links opened briefly in September 2015 before the lower temperatures approached and the tee boxes closed. Fast forward to 2016, it emerged from a cold winter, eager to show its true colors to the golfing world and now in September we are playing it for the first time.
Architect Lassi Pekka Tilander, was Finland’s first architect accepted as a full member of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects and the man responsible for creating the Pärnu design. Inspired from the origins of golf, the sand based site by the sea was further enhanced when Mick McShane of Kingsbarns fame was employed as the lead shaper to bring Lassi’s vision to reality. Together they combined to create an extremely playable golf course that visually astounds and appeals to the passionate golfer in you.
The course stretches to almost 6200m (short in today’s standard) but length is merely the first step in positioning yourself to take advantage of the multi-tiered greens. The fairways are more than modest, broad with gentle undulations and easily identifiable from the tee. Lining many of these are expansive sand areas, purposefully placed obstacles, created to catch the wayward tee shot and thus generating the need for a fashioned approach to the green.
It is the green areas that really make Pärnu a challenge. A slightly ill-timed or miss-skewed approach, will funnel into one of the many well placed run offs leaving a very difficult chip, or even catch a deep bunker in waiting. A mix of fun, ambitiousness and creativity, the multi-leveled greens feature bold movement allowing an infinite variety of shots to be played, inspiring the Phil Mickelson’s of the world.
Strategy is a premium for Pärnu Bay, smart play rewarded and local knowledge a prerequisite to producing a low score. This was clearly evident watching our scores become better with each round and learning very quickly the difference between a good miss and a bad miss.
Links inspired golf! Pärnu Bay Golf Links features many characteristics from a traditional links course; sandy base, undulations and native grasses blowing in the wind straight from the Baltic Sea. This was the end of September, and whilst we enjoyed traditional links mornings with wind, beanie and hand warmers, we reveled in the opportunity to play in short sleeves during our trip under perfectly clear sunny skies.
Well presented, good conditioned and enjoyable to play; three core ingredients to any golf course. Couple these with a stunning design and incredible beauty, Pärnu Bay is a golfing experience well above and beyond what we expected. Every aspect of your game tested. Every detail of your visit considered. Ensuring your experience is as memorable as the scenery itself.
/ Marc
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