The news will leave a gapinghole in the playing calander for the year, with the Pro-Am one of the biggest sporting events in the city every year, attracting hundreds of people.

Griffith Golf Club manager Wayne Moat said it was a regrettable decision, but said they had not closed the books on the event forever.

“There’s a time frame which we have to meet the PGA requirements, and we just couldn’t quite get there,” Moat said.

“Sponsors couldn’t quite commit to it this year, and I think it’s just a sign of the times really, businesses are finding it tougher to make ends meet.

“We’re still looking to do it again next year, but there is a deadline we have to meet the requirements and we couldn’t quite make it this year.”

However, The Area News understands a lack of manpower and interest has also seen organisers forced to postpone for this year.

The possibility of a one-day Pro-Am, with a prize pool of $10,000, was also suggested to relieve pressure on the event, but that also was rejected.

Griffith’s Pro-Am has attracted some of the best players of their generation over the past 20 years, with PGA Tournament Coordinator Darryl Purchase expressing his disappointment the event will not be running this year.

“It’s the last thing we want to hear really and it was a fantastic event on our schedule that’s for sure,” Purchase said.

“The pro’s were looked after exceptionally well, with the marquee and the dinner that was put on was fantastic.

“Having that there behind the 18th green it was just a really fantastic event with a great atmosphere.

“The Wagga, Griffith, Leeton run, they’re always nominated for Pro-Am of the year because they’re such good events, and it’s a shame to lose one right in the middle.

“Without trying to sound too mercenary, it might affect poor Leeton at the end because guys might play Wagga, and then rather than hang around for two days, they might go home.”

Purchase said there will always be a place for the Griffith pro-am to return, but warned the region not to let

the event become dormant.

“Because that’s why I was desperate for the tournament to go ahead as a one-day event, because normally when you lose the event it’s more difficult to get back because the interest simply drops off,” he said.

“But the thing is the clubs around the state normally treat their Pro-Am as high as, if not higher, in importance than their club championships.”