The awarding of $4,500 worth of scholarships to three promising young golfers from Tuanaimato was the highlight of the Taula Marist Twilight Golf Series III.

The Marist BIG Golf Club announced in a statement that scholarships have been awarded to Fala Koroseta and identical twins Siefi and Petelo Atonio at the end of the golf tournament.

The $4,500 will cover their school fees at the St. Joseph’s College as well as stationery and uniforms.

Two scholarships were funded by Marist BIG with the third supported by the Samoa Stationery and Books (S.S.A.B.).

Initially, only two scholarships were to be awarded. 

But S.S.A.B. came on board when its Chief Executive Officer, Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai, heard that only one of the twin brothers would get the prize.

Tofilau said two of her sons are twins and are always together so it made sense to support the scholarship to ensure both brothers were rewarded. 

“That is why S.S.A.B. stepped in to offer a third scholarship as twins should never be separated, especially if they are young,” she said.

The scholarship recipients are the top students of the Marist Golf Junior Development Programme. The programme is run by golf professionals, Asiata Van Wright and Bob M. Maifea.

Marist B.I.G. Golf Club Captain, Paulo Stowers, said that they want to develop the sport of golf and eventually win gold for Samoa in international competitions.

“The icing on the cake will be these promising young golfers becoming professional golfers and being able to provide for their families,” he said.

He added that to be competitive in the international arena, Samoans golfers need to be mentally strong.

“That is why we are sending these young golfers to St Joseph’s College to educate their mind, soul and spirit.”

One of the scholarship recipients, Fala Koroseta, won the men’s Taula Marist Twilight Golf Series III last Thursday. While Laumua Leavai-Duseigner is the inaugural series winner for the women’s division.

The club that won the latest series was Marist BIG with second place going to Vaiotausala Golf Club, followed closely by Tamaligi Golf Club and Lafolafo Golf Club.

Stowers, who spoke on behalf of Marist BIG, thanked the players and the sponsors of the tournament. 

“I thank the players and Taula and other sponsors such as S.S.A.B., SLC, Moana Rentals, Birdies Bar and Whisk Café for supporting our golf tournaments,” he added.

“The proceeds from these tournaments enable us to fund our junior golf program and scholarships.”