The Omarama Golf Club might not survive unless it can get more members to help maintain its facilities.
The club, established by Omarama farmers in the 1970s, has a nine-hole course and a clubhouse, but only 32 members, two-thirds of whom are holiday home owners or regular visitors.
There are 11 local members, with about half taking an active role in the club.
Club president Russell Eddy, who was described as "an important cog in the wheel that keeps the club in existence", has resigned because of work commitments in Dunedin. His replacement will be voted on at the club's annual general meeting.
An article appeared in the recent Omarama Gazette which said: "Some decisions may have to be made as to the future of the club", with only a few members keeping it going.
When contacted by the Otago Daily Times this week, Mr Eddy agreed that if there were not more help locally through new members, then the only option was for it to shut.
Financially, the club was "keeping its head above water" by virtually breaking even, but he said if something major happened, such as a machine failure, then things could get difficult.
Mr Eddy estimated between nine and 12 people played regularly between Labour Weekend and Easter, when visitors were in the town. Outside that period, there would be five or six.
The Gazette article said there was a lot of support for the club from holiday home owners, visitors and campers, quite a few of whom said if there was not a golf course, they would be going elsewhere.
Over the years, many people had put a lot into "one of the best [if not the best] assets Omarama has".
"But with dwindling local numbers combined with a fair bit of community apathy, it may be time to consider putting it to rest," the article said.
It appealed to people who wanted the club to continue to attend the annual meeting on December 3 at 7pm to voice their opinion or offer assistance - "or forever hold your peace".
