P.E.I. golf courses up for sale

The provincial government is once again trying to sell or lease its four premier golf courses.

The announcement was made in Wednesday’s throne speech.

The courses are losing money because of a downturn in the tourism industry.

"Obviously golf has had a little bit more of an economic downturn recently," said Tourism Minister Rob Henderson.  "But that doesn’t mean that’s going to continue on."

All four courses are tied to Rodd Resorts. They include Brudenell, Dundarave, Crowbush and Mill River.

Last year, the Department of Tourism invested $1.4 million into Tourism P.E.I. to help cover the losses, said Henderson.

Now, the province is putting them up for sale or lease by calling for requests for proposals.

"To see if there’s an opportunity out there for an entrepreneur to take advantage of taking the golf industry to greater heights right now," Henderson said.

James Alyward, the Conservative tourism critic, is questioning who will be interested.

"Due to the fiscal mismanagement of this government, it’s a pretty scary sight to see who will come along," he said.

Last year, Rodd Resorts received a provincial loan of $2.25 million.  It also received a $9 million loan in 2007.