Oregon Public Broadcasting

Klamath Falls-based window and door manufacturer, Jeld-Wen says it won't renew its contract with professional golf's Champions Tour. Company officials blame the poor economy. Jeld-Wen has been sponsoring the event known as The Tradition since 2003.

The Jeld-Wen Tradition, held each year in Sunriver is Oregon's only major annual golf championship and just one of five on the 50-and-over circuit.

The name itself implies a sense of history and continuity.  But with the title sponsor pulling out, the Tradition's future is suddenly up in the air.

Alana Audette is the President of the Central Oregon Visitors Association. She says the tournament brings in more than $9 million annually to the local economy.

Alana Audette: "It's been a tremendous economic boom, not only for the people that it brings in to watch the tournament estimated at about 10 thousand visitors per day. But in addition to that, it has really put Central Oregon on the map as a premier golf destination."

The 2010 Tradition starts Thursday at Sunriver.

It's not clear if the event will stay in Oregon after this year.