Cromwell Golf Club members are uniting in support of a planned $700,000 upgrade of the town's golf course, which they believe would benefit the whole community.
About 70 members attended a meeting at the club house on Thursday night. They discussed the planned upgrade, and processes regarding submissions on the proposal.
The club has applied for an upgrade of its course through the Central Otago District Council's long-term council community plan.
Submissions are being accepted by the council on its plan, which could become operative at the end of June.
Club general manager Graham Mercer said submissions in support of the proposal would be put forward by members, who were in "absolute, total support", of the upgrade.
"There was an extremely positive vibe at the meeting. The message that came across loud and clear was that it isn't just for the benefit of the golf club, it will benefit the whole community.
"It will attract a lot of people to come and play golf, and it is a well-known fact that visiting golfers spend more money in the community than most other visitors," Mr Mercer said.
The club has about 475 members, and is supported by New Zealand golfer Greg Turner, who has been a mentor throughout the process of designing and applying for an upgraded course.
Mr Turner was present at this week's meeting in Cromwell, where he talked members through the plans to transform the town's course from a second-tier to a first-tier one.
Mr Mercer said if the upgrade was approved, and all went according to plan, work could be undertaken this winter, ready for next season.
"It would position this particular golf course within the top 15 in New Zealand," he said.
Plan submissions close on May 4.
