Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi has clarified that golf has not been exempted from state of emergency restrictions and remains banned. 

The clarification contradicts reports that the golf course has been reopened.  

Tuilaepa confirmed that golf was discussed by the Cabinet, which had considered allowing it before deciding allowing the game to be played would undermine the purpose of state of emergency orders. 

“The problem is after the game the players will gather at the bar and drink beer,” he told the 2AP radio station programme. 

“Most of the people that play this sport are Government leaders, Kings, President and business people. 

“But the sporting facilities for golf have banned the game because only 1/10 of the time they are playing the game and the other 9/10 they are drinking beer. 

“Which means its not a golf game they’re just there to drink beer and gossip…” 

Tuilaepa reiterated the state of emergency orders prohibiting gatherings of more than five people. 

Those orders include a ban on church gatherings, sports events, entertainment gatherings and people congregating in numbers.