Sami Välimäki is the Finnish golfer who broke new ground by becoming the first player from Finland to win a PGA Tour event. He grew up practising at Nokia River Golf, his childhood home club, before turning that early training into a professional career that now spans both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. As of 2026, Sami Välimäki holds one PGA Tour title, two DP World Tour wins, and a current world ranking inside the top 100.
If you’re searching for who Sami Välimäki is, what he’s achieved, or how his 2026 season is going, this guide covers all of it in one place.
Who Is Sami Välimäki?
Sami Välimäki is a professional golfer from Nokia, Finland. He was born on July 16, 1998, and he turned pro in 2019 right after finishing his mandatory military service. Unlike many tour pros, he skipped the college golf route entirely. Instead, he built his game through Finland’s amateur system and youth national teams.
He’s now a regular on both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, and he’s widely recognized as the golfer who put Finnish golf on the map at the highest level.
Sami Välimäki Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Sami Välimäki |
| Age | 28 |
| Birthdate | July 16, 1998 |
| Birthplace | Nokia, Finland |
| Residence | Pirkkala, Finland |
| Plays From | Nokia, Finland |
| Height | 6’2″ (1.88m) |
| Weight | 233 lbs (106kg) |
| College | None (turned pro after military service) |
| Turned Pro | 2019 |
| Family | Wife, Emilia; son Max |
| Pronunciation | val-uh-MACK-ee |
| PGA Tour Wins | 1 (2025 The RSM Classic) |
| DP World Tour Wins | 2 (2020 Oman Open, 2023 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters) |
| Career Earnings (PGA Tour) | $5,249,722 |
| 2026 Season Earnings | $458,398 |
| Current OWGR Rank | 82nd |
| FedExCup Standing (2026) | 152nd |
| National Teams | 2018 Eisenhower Trophy, 2024 Olympic Games |
| Home Club | Nokia River Golf |
The Story of Nokia River Golf: Where Sami Välimäki Started
Every great golfer has a starting point, and for Sami Välimäki, that place is Nokia River Golf. This course sits just outside his birthplace of Nokia, Finland, and it’s where his entire journey began.
How He Got Started at Nokia River Golf
Välimäki was only five years old when his father first brought him to Nokia River Golf. He used a cut-down club sized for a young child. That simple first swing eventually turned into a full-blown professional career.
From Hockey to Golf
Interestingly, golf wasn’t his first sporting love. He tried out for Finland’s national junior ice hockey team and didn’t make the cut. That setback pushed him to focus fully on golf, and he sharpened his skills at Nokia River Golf during his developmental years.
A Lasting Connection
Sami Välimäki still holds an official membership at Nokia River Golf today. He lists it as his home base while competing internationally. When he won his historic first PGA Tour title, he specifically credited the fairways of Nokia River Golf as the place where his big dreams first took shape.
Career Milestones and Major Wins
Sami Välimäki’s rise has been built on a handful of standout victories. Here’s a breakdown of his biggest wins to date.
The RSM Classic (November 2025)
This was the tournament that made history. Välimäki won at Sea Island, Georgia, finishing 23-under par for a one-shot victory. The win made him the first Finnish golfer ever to capture a PGA Tour title. It also brought him a $1.26 million payout, a tour card through 2027, and entry into the first two Signature Events of the 2026 season.
Commercial Bank Qatar Masters (October 2023)
Välimäki claimed his second DP World Tour title here, beating Jorge Campillo in a playoff.
Oman Open (March 2020)
This was his maiden DP World Tour win, achieved in just his sixth start as a tour member. The victory also earned him European Tour Rookie of the Year honors.
International Representation
Välimäki has represented Finland on the world stage multiple times, including appearances at the Olympic Games and the Eisenhower Trophy.
Sami Välimäki’s 2026 PGA Tour Results
His 2026 season has been a mix of learning experiences and solid finishes as he adjusts to playing in bigger fields following his breakthrough win.
| Date | Tournament | Position | Score | Earnings |
| Jan 25, 2026 | The American Express | CUT | 209 (-7) | – |
| Feb 1, 2026 | Farmers Insurance Open | CUT | 142 (-2) | – |
| Feb 8, 2026 | WM Phoenix Open | T41 | 279 (-5) | $34,080 |
| Feb 15, 2026 | AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am | T34 | 276 (-12) | $104,000 |
| Feb 22, 2026 | The Genesis Invitational | T37 | 280 (-4) | $92,250 |
| Mar 1, 2026 | Cognizant Classic | CUT | 151 (+9) | – |
| Mar 15, 2026 | THE PLAYERS Championship | CUT | 152 (+8) | – |
| Apr 5, 2026 | Valero Texas Open | T14 | 278 (-10) | $159,250 |
| Apr 12, 2026 | Masters Tournament (debut) | CUT | 155 (+11) | – |
| Apr 19, 2026 | RBC Heritage | T55 | 280 (-4) | $39,600 |
| May 10, 2026 | ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic | CUT | 144 (+2) | – |
| May 17, 2026 | PGA Championship | T60 | 284 (+4) | $29,218 |
| Jul 19, 2026 | The Open Championship | CUT | 142 (+2) | – |
His best 2026 finish so far is T14 at the Valero Texas Open, and his season earnings currently stand at $458,398.
Sami Välimäki’s Career Stats Overview
Sami has appeared in 67 PGA Tour events across his career, making the cut in 36 of them. His total career earnings on tour sit at $5,249,722. He’s recorded one win, two runner-up finishes, three third-place results, four top-5s, five top-10s, and 13 top-25 finishes.
His lowest single round on tour is a 61, shot at the 2024 John Deere Classic. His best FedExCup finish came in 2025, when he ranked 87th.
Strokes Gained and Performance Metrics (2026 Season)
Strokes gained data gives a deeper look at where Välimäki’s game currently stands compared to the field average.
| Metric | Value | Field Average |
| SG: Total | -0.320 | -0.320 |
| SG: Off the Tee | -0.494 | -0.340 |
| SG: Approach | 0.048 | 0.048 |
| SG: Around the Green | -0.203 | 0.174 |
| SG: Putting | 0.174 | 0.174 |
| Driving Distance | 296.5 yds | 296.5 yds |
| Driving Accuracy | 61.36% | 61.36% |
| Greens in Regulation | 64.81% | 64.81% |
| Scoring Average | 71.08 | 71.08 |
| Birdie Average | 3.59 | 3.59 |
His approach play and putting have stayed close to tour average, while his short game around the greens has been an area for improvement this season.
Personal Life and Background
Sami Välimäki is married to Emilia, and the couple has a son named Max. His name is pronounced “val-uh-MACK-ee.”
He also has an interesting sporting connection in his family. His cousin, Juuso Välimäki, is a professional ice hockey player. Juuso was selected by the Calgary Flames with the 16th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, adding another layer to the family’s athletic background.
Amateur Highlights
Before turning pro, Sami helped Finland win the 2018 European Team Amateur Championship. That same year, he represented his country at the 2018 Eisenhower Trophy, one of the top amateur team events in world golf.
Why Sami Välimäki Matters to Finnish Golf
Finland doesn’t have a long history of producing PGA Tour winners, which makes Sami Välimäki’s achievement stand out even more. His win at The RSM Classic wasn’t just a personal milestone. It opened the door for future Finnish golfers to believe a PGA Tour title is possible.
His journey from a small course like Nokia River Golf to major championship fields such as the Masters and The Open Championship shows how far dedication and steady development can take a player, even without a traditional college golf background.
Conclusion
Sami Välimäki has already carved out a unique place in golf history as Finland’s first PGA Tour winner. From his early days swinging a cut-down club at Nokia River Golf to competing in major championships in 2026, his path reflects steady growth built on hard work rather than a conventional route through college golf. While his 2026 season has included some tough weeks, his strokes gained numbers and past results show a player capable of climbing back toward the top of the leaderboard. Golf fans following Sami can expect more chances for him to add to his tour résumé in the coming seasons.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sami Välimäki still on the PGA Tour in 2026?
Yes, he’s actively competing on the PGA Tour in 2026, with his tour card secured through 2027 following his 2025 RSM Classic win.
What is Sami Välimäki’s home golf course?
His home course is Nokia River Golf, located near his birthplace of Nokia, Finland, where he first learned the game at age five.
How many PGA Tour wins does Sami Välimäki have?
He has one PGA Tour win, earned at The RSM Classic in November 2025.
What is Sami Välimäki’s current world ranking?
As of 2026, he sits at 82nd in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Did Sami Välimäki play in the Masters?
Yes, he made his Masters Tournament debut in April 2026 but missed the cut after rounds of 80 and 75.
Who is Sami Välimäki’s cousin?
His cousin is Juuso Välimäki, a professional NHL defenseman drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2017.
What nationality is Sami?
He is Finnish, born and raised in Nokia, Finland.
How much has Sami earned in 2026?
His 2026 season earnings currently total $458,398 through his PGA Tour events.