By Leo Rose
Having earned the chance to represent the Czech Republic at the Paris Olympics earlier this month, Sami Valimäki came into this week’s D+D REAL Czech Masters in high spirits.
The Finnish player will make his second appearance after the Tokyo Olympics and will return to the DP World Tour before the end of the 2024 season.
Speaking about her experience in Paris, Valimaki said: “It feels good to be at the Olympics. The atmosphere is great and it feels good to be in the Olympic Village.”
In addition to playing golf, Valimaki also took the opportunity to watch various sporting events held on site.
“I went to watch badminton and table tennis matches,” he added. “The matches were exciting and I liked the atmosphere there too.”
Valimaki was disappointed not to make the podium at the National Golf Club, but he is looking forward to the upcoming D&D Czech Masters.
“I always love coming here, especially Prague,” he said. “This city is great. I played really well here last year. Obviously, it's a different course, but I hope I can play better than I did last year.”
Looking back on his rookie season on the PGA Tour, Valimaki feels he played well but his results didn't reflect his hard work, with his best result being a runner-up finish at the Mexican Open at Vedanta in February.
“I feel like I’ve played better this year than the points,” he said. “But we still have the Fall Series, which will give me a chance to get some points and hopefully a win.”
After watching fellow doubles player Aaron Rai triumph at the Wyndham Championship last week, the 26-year-old is determined to win his first PGA Tour victory and add two more titles on the DP World Tour.
“It’s nice to see a couple of European guys win this year,” he added. “If other guys on our tour think they can win, then maybe I can too.”
