Sami Välimäki has rapidly become one of Finland’s most exciting golf talents, blending skill and determination on the global stage. From his early amateur dominance to his professional triumphs, Välimäki’s journey is a testament to perseverance.
This article explores his career, personal life, financial success, and more.
Sami Välimäki’s Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Sami Välimäki |
| Nickname | – |
| Born | July 16, 1998 (Age 26) |
| Nationality | Finnish |
| Height | 6’2” (188 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2019 |
| Net Worth | $1.37 million |
| Spouse/Partner | Engaged to Emilia Gustafsson |
| Children | None |
| @samivalimaki (18k+ followers) |
Sami Välimäki, born and raised in Nokia, Finland, balances a thriving golf career with a quiet personal life. He’s engaged to Emilia Gustafsson since 2021 and enjoys hockey, basketball, and mountain travels.
Early Career
Sami Välimäki’s journey into golf began at age five when his parents introduced him to the sport at their local course in Nokia, Finland. His natural talent emerged early, with hours spent practicing swings and putts in the Nordic climate.
By 15, he’d already clinched his first major junior tournament victory, signaling his potential. The amateur circuit became his proving ground, where he dominated Finnish junior competitions and gained attention for his powerful drives and precise iron play.
His breakout year came in 2018. After years of regional success, Välimäki triumphed at the Portuguese International Amateur Championship, defeating a competitive European field. Weeks later, he captained Finland to its first-ever European Amateur Team Championship title, delivering clutch performances under pressure.
These wins earned him spots in prestigious team events like the Bonallack Trophy (Europe vs. Asia-Pacific) and St Andrews Trophy (Europe vs. Great Britain & Ireland), where he contributed critical points for Team Europe.
Despite his rising profile, Välimäki paused his career in late 2018 to complete Finland’s mandatory six-month military service. Stationed in a remote base, he maintained his fitness and focus, later crediting the experience for instilling mental resilience.
By the time he turned professional in 2019, he’d peaked at 10th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking and won over 20 amateur titles, setting the stage for his rapid ascent in pro golf.
Professional Career
Sami Välimäki’s professional career exploded in 2019 with immediate success on the Pro Golf Tour, where he secured four wins—including the Open Casa Green Golf in Morocco and the Castanea Resort Championship—earning him second place in the Order of Merit.
His stellar performance at the 2019 Q-School granted him a European Tour card for 2020, where he stunned the golf world by winning the Oman Open in just his sixth start, defeating Brandon Stone in a playoff to become the fourth Finnish player to claim a European Tour title.
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The 2020 season solidified his reputation, as he notched seven top-10 finishes and claimed the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award, a first for a Finnish golfer. Despite a slump in 2021–22 with only one top-10 finish in 46 events, Välimäki rebounded in 2023, winning the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in a playoff against Jorge Campillo and securing five additional top-10 finishes.
His consistency earned him a PGA Tour card in 2024, where he immediately made an impact with a runner-up finish at the Mexico Open (earning $882,900) and a T15 at the 2025 Farmers Insurance Open. As of 2025, Välimäki ranks 164th in the Official World Golf Ranking, with career earnings exceeding $3.59 million and two European Tour victories among his eight professional wins
Wife
Välimäki is engaged to longtime partner Emilia Gustafsson. The couple, who got engaged in December 2021, frequently shares travel adventures on social media. They reside in Tampere, Finland, and have no children.
Sami Välimäki’s Net Worth Details
Sami Välimäki’s net worth is estimated to be $1.37 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings |
| 2022 | $73,400 |
| 2023 | $18,000 |
| 2024 | $1,273,129 |
| 2025* | $132,732 |
Endorsements
Sami Välimäki’s sponsorship portfolio blends long-term partnerships and strategic collaborations. Since 2024, he has served as a global ambassador for Golf GameBook, a golf app with over 1.5 million users, promoting its junior programs in Finland and engaging fans worldwide through in-app challenges.
A TaylorMade staff player earlier in his career, he used their SIM driver, P7MC irons, and TP5x ball during his 2020 Oman Open victory. Notably, Finnish tire giant Nokian Tyres sponsored his 2020 U.S. Open debut, aligning his hometown roots (Nokia, Finland) with their brand. While current equipment details are undisclosed, his endorsements emphasize innovation and community impact.
Career Stats & Records
Key Stats (2024–25 Season)
| Stat | Performance |
| Driving Accuracy | 67.86% |
| Driving Distance | 288.9 yards |
| Greens in Regulation | 66.67% |
| Putts Per Round | 30.0 |
Professional Wins
| Tour | Wins |
| European Tour | 2 |
| Pro Golf Tour | 4 |
| Finnish Tour | 2 |
FAQs
1. Who is Sami Välimäki?
Sami Välimäki is a Finnish professional golfer born on July 16, 1998, in Nokia, Finland. He competes on the PGA Tour and European Tour, turning pro in 2019 after completing mandatory military service. He won his first European Tour title at the 2020 Oman Open in his sixth start.
2. How many professional wins does Sami Välimäki have?
Välimäki has eight professional wins: two European Tour titles (2020 Oman Open, 2023 Qatar Masters), four Pro Golf Tour victories, and two Finnish Tour wins. His playoff victories include defeating Brandon Stone (2020) and Jorge Campillo (2023).
3. What were Sami Välimäki’s amateur achievements?
As an amateur, Välimäki represented Europe in the 2018 Bonallack Trophy and Continent of Europe in the St Andrews Trophy. He helped Finland win the 2018 European Amateur Team Championship and reached a career-high 10th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
4. Did Sami Välimäki serve in the military?
Yes. Välimäki fulfilled Finland’s mandatory military service in late 2018 before turning professional in 2019. His service delayed his pro debut but did not hinder his rapid rise in golf.
5. What is known about Sami Välimäki’s personal life?
Välimäki is engaged to Emilia Gustafsson (since December 2021) and resides in Tampere, Finland. His cousin, Juuso Välimäki, plays for the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes. Outside golf, he enjoys ice hockey, basketball, and mountain landscapes.
6. What golf equipment does Sami Välimäki use?
Välimäki uses TaylorMade clubs and wears apparel by Oscar Jacobson. His setup includes TaylorMade drivers, irons, and putters, reflecting his preference for precision and consistency in professional play.
7. What is Sami Välimäki’s current world ranking?
As of February 2025, Välimäki ranks 164th in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). His career-best ranking was 90th following his 2023 Qatar Masters victory.
8. Has Sami Välimäki competed in the Olympics?
Yes. He represented Finland at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, finishing T37. He qualified again for the 2024 Paris Olympics, aiming to improve his performance.
9. How has Sami Välimäki performed in major championships?
Välimäki has missed cuts in three PGA Championship appearances (2021, 2024) and the 2023 Open Championship (T68). His best major performance remains a tied-68th finish at Royal Liverpool in 2023.
10. What are Sami Välimäki’s career goals?
Välimäki has publicly stated his ambition to become world No. 1. He aims to qualify for more majors via top-50 OWGR status and secure PGA Tour victories to solidify his global reputation.
