Disc golf is absolutely exploding in the northern European country of Finland - there are now a remarkable 450 courses in this nation of only 5.5 million where the playing season is less than six months a year. In 2015, the Suomen Frisbiliitto (national association) expects to have 4500 dues paid members, while PDGA participation will also increase by a remarkable 50% over 2014, approaching 120 sanctioned events and 1750 current members. Wow!

But while there have been fantastic flying Finns in MPO division for many years, beginning with Timo Pursio #6005 and Jussi Meresmaa #14600, and including such names today as Ville Piippo #27555, Juho Rantalaiho #27554, Juho Parviainen #30858, Seppo Paju #36744 and Pasi Koivu #41251, only Anne Matilainen #28827 has come close to being a top notch FPO player. Well, that’s about to change.

Henna Blomroos #59227, who is from the town of Rauma on Finland’s southwest coast & Eveliina Salonen #64927, who comes from Valkeakoski near Tampere, are leading a wave of new Finnish ladies breaking on to the international disc golf scene. Both are only 15 years old and have already turned Pro. Henna won the Finnish National Championships in 2014, Eveliina was 2nd. Henna was measured throwing 132 meters (435’) at age 14. Eveliina has 34 aces including about 20 on hole 1 at her home course. How cool is that?

At the 2015 European Open PDGA Major, Eveliina came in 5th, edging Henna in 6th by 2 strokes. Only the last 4 women to win the World Championships beat them in Nokia, namely USA’s Catrina Allen #44184, Sarah Hokom #34563, Valarie Jenkins #17495, and Paige Pierce #29190.

Henna Blomroos at the 2015 European Open.

Here’s what they had to say when I interviewed Henna and Eveliina at the European Open:

How long have you been playing disc golf?

Henna – "I started in 2011."

Eveliina – "I began during the summer of 2012."

What other sports do you play?

Henna – "I started swimming when I was 7. Right now I’m top 24 in my age group in Finland. 100 meter and 200 meter butterfly are my best events."

Eveliina – "I play floor ball (Editor's note: Floor ball is akin to hockey played in the gym or in an arena with shoes, a ball, and no pads)."

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Henna – "Long distance is my strength. Putting is my weakness. I focus on backhand, only throwing forehand when it’s necessary. I especially like to throw straight with a slight flip."

Eveliina – "I’m best at driving. I throw mostly backhand but will throw forehand when it’s the better choice, like hole 2 at the Beast. Putting is definitely my weakness."

What is your practice routine?

Henna – "I love to do field work and distance. I also work on my short game, including different putting positions and approach shots on my home course."

Eveliina – "I practice 3 hours a day, on all shots, 5-6 days a week."

Eveliina Salonen at the 2015 European Open.

What are your goals for next couple of years?

Henna – "I want to place in the top 3 at the European Championships in Oulu (Finland) next summer. I also want to compete in the World Championships soon but first I need to improve my accuracy and short game."

Eveliina – "My goals are to continue to improve, to win the 2015 Finnish Nationals, and to make the Finnish team for 2016 European Championships."

The sport is growing fast and becoming very professional in your country. You have the chance to be a great player. How does that make you feel?

Henna – "I’m really excited. I got into the European Open thru the qualifier event and I’m enjoying it to the fullest. I love to play big events and I’m really looking forward to the future."

Eveliina – "It makes me more motivated because people think I could become a top player."

Who are your favorite players?

Henna – "Paige Pierce because of her actions on the field and how relaxed she is. I’m told my style is similar to Paige. She throws far. My favorite men’s player is Paul McBeth #27523 because he is the best."

Eveliina – "Paige Pierce, she throws very well, long and accurate. And I like Simon Lizotte #8332 because he throws really far and he does trick shots."

Look out world because here they come…