By Leo Rose
Sami Välimäki heads into this week’s D+D REAL Czech Masters reinvigorated after having the opportunity to represent his country at the Paris Olympics earlier this month.
The Finn, making his second appearance at the Olympic Games after also competing in Tokyo, returns to the DP World Tour ahead of a busy end to his 2024 season.
Speaking of his experience in Paris, Välimäki said: “It was nice to play in the Olympics. The atmosphere over there was fantastic and staying in the Olympic Village is always nice.”
Away from the golf, Välimäki also took the opportunity to watch the various sporting events on show.
“I went to watch the badminton and the table tennis,” he added. “They were good and I liked the atmosphere there as well.”
Disappointed to not have a podium finish at Le Golf National, Välimäki is keen for the upcoming D&D Real Czech Masters.
“I always like to come here, especially Prague," he said. "The city is nice. I played good here last year. Obviously, it is a different course but hopefully I can play even better than last year.”
Reflecting on his rookie season on the PGA TOUR, Välimäki feels he has played well but the scores did not bear the fruits of his labours, with his best result coming in the Mexico Open at Vidanta in February, when he finished runner-up.
“I felt like I played better this year than the scores," he said. "We still have the Fall Series though which will give me the chance to get some points and hopefully a win.”
After seeing fellow dual-member Aaron Rai winning last week at the Wyndham Championship, the 26-year-old is motivated to gain his first PGA TOUR victory and add to his two titles on the DP World Tour.
“It’s been nice to see a couple of Europeans win this year," he added. "If all the other players from our Tour look and think they can do it, then maybe I can too."
