The Tongan government said it has withdrawn its proposed plan for a new golf course for 2019 Pacific Games and has decided to expand the existing Tonga Golf Course in ‘Atele for the Games.
It made the decision after the Beca International Consultancy said the current course could not be expanded for the Games because of the lack of surrounding land spaces.
But the government said negotiation was underway to relocate residents in the area so that the course could be expanded.
The government said it made the decision as it understood the golf course is the most time critical of all the facilities and developments planned for the Games.
Early last month the government disclosed plans to construct the golf course either at the king’s estates in Tufumāhina or at Kauvai.
It followed with preparation works conducted by government workers at Tufumāhina to prepare for the course but it was immediately stopped by the Palace Office.
The Prime Minister later said there was miscommunication before the work started and the course was likely to be shifted and constructed at Kauvai.
Consultants from Beca said in its master plan report reported by Kaniva News early this month the current course could not be used for the Games.
The report said: “We concluded that it was very unlikely that the existing course could be developed to a standard required for the Games”.
“Hence the three sites suggested to us by the TPGOC: Fua’amotu – opposite the Scenic Hotel on road to Airport, Niumate site and Tufumahina site were considered.
“Of all of the sports facilities to be provided for the Games the Golf course development is the most time critical. The decision on a preferred site and securing the land is an urgent matter.
“To develop a totally new Golf course, playing a tournament (the Games) after only 12 months following completion would carry high risk given the time required to suitably grow and bed down the greens, tees and fairways. Ideally the course should be completed 24 months prior to the Games, i.e. by July 2017”.
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