Golf clubs will seek backing from the Orange City Council to further promote the area as an ideal destination for social and tournament golf.
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Duntryleague club president John Cook said about 40,000 people came to Orange every year to play social and tournament golf.
He said spending on golf by tourists and locals was worth about $14-15 million a year to the Orange economy.
Mr Cook said visiting golfers paid for accommodation, food and drink, went shopping locally and visited district wineries, restaurants and tourist spots while they were in town.
He said golfers contributed to the economy through paying tournament, playing and club membership fees while the city’s three clubs provided wages.
Mr Cook said council should offer more to the clubs to promote Orange.
He is preparing a submission to go to the Golf Orange board and the council.
“We would like [council] to support the events in the form of sponsorship,” he said.
“They should join in with us in some marketing for the city.
“We are trying to attract people to come to Orange to stay and play, to play golf.
“I think council should get on board a little bit more.
“It should not be left to the clubs to do to it all.”
Mr Cook said council had previously sponsored tournaments but stopped several years ago.
Orange mayor Cr Reg Kidd said council was keen to promote sports tourism.
“Most definitely, sports tourism is a big thing,” he said.
“The more the council can work in with local clubs and lend support the better.
“It’s in everyone’s best interests.”
Cr Kidd said this week’s tournaments at the Orange golf courses were well-supported by visitors.
“Look at the amount of people, they stay, they eat and they have a look around the district.”
Sydney golfer Jan Crichton won the City of Orange championship on Monday on her first visit to Orange.
Crichton said she travelled with a group of fellow golfers, spent three nights in town, visited local restaurants, went to Millthorpe and wanted to come back next year.
“The region just offered so much, I loved it, I absolutely loved it,” she said.
“We all thought it was absolutely fabulous as a destination.
“It’s on our calendar for next year,” she said.