Levi Golf receives international sustainability certification

Finland’s northernmost full-length 18-hole golf course, Levi Golf & Country Club Oy, has been awarded the international GEO Certified® certification, a respected recognition in the golf industry for responsible operations and the promotion of sustainable development.

The certification is granted to golf courses that meet international criteria in protecting biodiversity, responsible use of resources, and supporting community wellbeing. Levi Golf passed an independent audit and met all the requirements of the certification.

The course is located between Levitunturi fell and the Ounasjoki River, which is part of the Natura 2000 network. The surrounding boreal nature has been carefully considered in the design and maintenance of the course. Protective buffer zones have been left between the course and nearby waterways to safeguard sensitive aquatic environments. A comprehensive vegetation survey has also been carried out in the area. Biodiversity is further supported with bird nesting boxes built in cooperation with the local environmental organization Kittilän Luonto.

A golf course in Arctic conditions

Levi Golf operates in an environment that presents unique challenges for course maintenance.

“The winter is long and the growing season short. The course remains under snow for a long time, and the selection of grass species must be carefully considered to ensure they survive in these conditions,” says Course Manager Teemu Laurila.

Different grass species have been tested over the years to ensure that the playing surfaces remain in good condition in an Arctic climate. The long, bright summer days also influence course maintenance.

“In summer, the grass grows almost around the clock, so maintenance operations must be scheduled very carefully.”

Levi Golf Course Managers Ilkka Kutvonen (left) and Teemu Laurila (right) with the GEO Certified® certificate. Kutvonen will retire, and Laurila will take over the full responsibility of course management in June.

Nature and resources as part of daily operations

Levi Golf uses hydropower for electricity production and draws irrigation water from the Ounasjoki River via the snowmaking water intake of the Levi Ski Resort. Hybrid mowers are already in use on the course, and robotics are being explored as a future solution.

“We closely monitor things like water consumption to ensure irrigation is only done when the course truly needs it,” Laurila explains.

Nature is also present in a very tangible way on the course. Reindeer roam freely in the area and provide a unique experience for many players.

“Reindeer are left in peace. They are part of Lapland’s nature and also part of everyday life at Levi Golf.”

A golf course as part of the community

Levi Golf operates in close connection with the local community. The course organizes active junior programs, and school groups are given the opportunity to get acquainted with golf. During the summer, an open multi-golf par 3 area next to the course offers activities such as disc golf and footgolf.

In winter, the area takes on a new role: the golf club facilities are used as a restaurant for the ski resort, and cross-country ski tracks and outdoor routes running through the course provide recreation opportunities for both locals and visitors.

Looking ahead

The GEO certification is valid until 2028, when Levi Golf will apply for renewal. The goal is to further develop sustainability work by increasing communication about nature, carrying out wildlife species surveys, and improving waste sorting on the course.

“We operate in exceptional conditions, and the work done here can offer guidance on how golf courses can be maintained sustainably even in extreme climates,” Laurila says.

Background

Levi Golf is Finland’s northernmost full-length 18-hole golf course, located in Kittilä between Levitunturi fell and the Ounasjoki River. Built on an area of more than 93 hectares, the course offers a varied and memorable playing experience in the landscapes of Lapland. Visits from reindeer and the possibility to play around the clock during the Midnight Sun make each round unique.

Designed by architect Pekka Sivula, the course was built in two phases: the first 9-hole course opened in June 2006 and the full 18-hole course in August 2008. The clubhouse, completed in 2005, offers players restaurant, pro shop and service facilities, as well as private club spaces for members.