The men, aged 65 and 58, are believed to have come to blows about 8.30pm on Saturday night, with one of the men allegedly using a golf club to attack the other.

Emergency services were called to the club when the fight erupted and both men were treated at the scene before paramedics took one of the men to Orange hospital.

The second man was arrested by police, however, his condition deteriorated at the police station.

An ambulance was called and he was taken to Orange hospital for further treatment.

Both men are expected to remain in hospital for several days.

The younger man is being treated for a fractured skull, while the older man is being treated for concussion and a laceration on his head.

Canobolas Local Command Inspector Dave Harvey said police were still interviewing witnesses and wanted anyone with information about the incident to contact them immediately.

“We’d like to speak to anyone who was there at the time,” he said.

Inspector Harvey said while both men’s injuries were not life-threatening, police were concerned about the violent nature of the dispute.

“We’re concerned that a weapon was used like this in a public place,” he said.

“We’re also concerned about the severity of the injuries.”

Inspector Harvey said police were yet to lay charges and alcohol was not a factor.

“We’re still trying to establish what happened,” he said.

Duntryleague Golf Club president John Cook said he was unable to comment on the incident while a police investigation was taking place.

Mr Cook said it would be up to the club’s board to decide if the men would be kicked out of the club or received a suspension.

“Fortunately, since I became president in 2010, nothing like this has ever happened before,” he said.

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au