The Complete Guide to Golf in American Samoa

American Samoa may have just one golf course, but it's nothing to turn your nose up at! 'Ili'ili Golf Course (also called 'Ili'ili Country Club) offers something truly special: a peaceful park-style layout where you can tee off with towering peaks as your backdrop and the Pacific Ocean stretching out before you.

The course is cleverly built on a gentle slope, which means you'll soak up those stunning views from practically every hole.

You'll find it nestled in the village of 'Ili'ili, about 30 minutes from Pago Pago and just moments from Pago Pago International Airport. This makes it perfectly positioned for visitors looking to squeeze in a round during their stay.

'Ili'ili Golf Course sprawls across 120 acres (49 ha), stretching to 6,000 yards (5,486 m) from the back tees (though according to locals and some visitors we talked to, the course feels a bit shorter than the scorecard suggests).

The course offers some memorable scenic moments, particularly the opening hole, where you'll enjoy stunning ocean views and can spot other islands on clear days. Hole #10 is also noted as particularly scenic as you head back towards the clubhouse.

One thing to keep in mind: the course signage and hole markers have been incomplete since COVID, so navigation can be a bit challenging. Don't be surprised if you need to ask for directions to find the next tee!

Weather can change quickly here - one minute you're enjoying clear ocean views, the next "boom, rain" as the course manager puts it. Come prepared!

You can hire golf carts and clubs on-site. Be sure to follow the cart rules - keep at least 10 feet away from all greens and never drive onto tee boxes.

There's also a driving range where you can warm up before your round.

From what we've experienced, the locals here are incredibly friendly and laid-back. This definitely isn't a pretentious golf course, which we personally find refreshing. Just remember the dress code: collared shirts are required and no tank tops allowed.

'Ili'ili Golf Course Statistics

Location: Route 014 & Golf Course Road, 'Ili'ili, Tutuila. The car park and clubhouse are on the west side of the golf course.
Holes: 18 holes
Par: 72
Distance: 6,000 yards (5,486 m)
Club Hire: Yes
Cart Hire: Yes
Clubhouse: Yes
Pro Shop: Yes
Course Type: Park-style
Maximum Group Size: 6 players

History of the American Samoa Golf Course

The course has quite a fascinating backstory. Originally known as the Lavalava Golf Course, it owes its existence to Fuga Tolani Teleso, who was released early from the U.S. Army specifically to oversee the construction of the 'Ili'ili golf course at the request of the American Samoa Government.

Remarkably, Fuga was self-taught in everything golf-related. After retiring from the military in 1972, he took on the ambitious project of building both the Ili'ili Golf Course and Veterans Memorial Stadium.

What makes this story even more impressive is that Fuga built the course using volunteer labour and contributions from local businesses and golfers. He was so committed to the project that he personally purchased land next to the golf course for a pro shop.

Events and Notable Connections at 'Ili'ili Golf Course

The course regularly hosts fundraising tournaments organised by the local Rotary and Lions Clubs, which adds a wonderful community spirit to the golfing experience.

The course runs a strong junior golf program and has hosted some notable young talents, including Tony Finau and his brother who played here during their junior years before turning professional. The course also hosts the annual All Samoan Golf Invitational tournament.

Playing golf in American Samoa is relatively inexpensive.

Approximate prices include:

• Green fees: Weekends US$20 (18 holes)/US$10 (9 holes), Weekdays US$10 (18 holes)/US$15 (9 holes)
• Club hire: US$30
• Cart hire: US$25 (18 holes)/US$15 (9 holes)

For more approximate costs for your holiday, check out American Samoa Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Samoa Cost?