The Director of the ASG Sports Complex which is in charge of the golf course, Henry Tavake, has responded to complaints about the shortage of golf carts at the Iliili course.
Chairman of the Hope House Board, David Robinson, wrote to Tavake recently inquiring about the cart situation as their board prepares for the annual golf tournament to raise money for Hope House.
Robinson says during last year’s tournament many players were disappointed because there were not enough carts and he bought batteries to get some of the carts up and running.
Tavake’s response to Robinson is to invite him to present a proposal to supply golf carts for the golf course.
He says they cannot afford new carts because they are paying bills from the previous administration which left the Sports Complex with many unpaid bills.
Tavake explains that the golf course was built for players to enjoy the sport and get some exercise rather than to host fundraising tournaments.
He said the only tournament which used to be held at the Iliili course was the Samoan Pro Am and also the Junior Golfers Program.
The Sports Complex Manager said there are 40 plus golf carts but only 27 are operating.
According to Tavake, the private pro shop should be providing golf carts. not ASG, but the government is stepping in because there are not enough private sector carts.
He welcomes a proposal from Robinson or any other group that wants to provide golf carts for the golf course.
In the meantime, he says this is what is available and tournament organizers should keep in mind they are not paying a fee to use the course. So they should work with what’s available.
