Men’s Club Bylaws

The objectives of the Deer Park Men’s Golf Club (the “Club”) are the enjoyment, enrichment, and encouragement of the game of golf; the conduct of tournaments and competitions; the establishment and maintenance of handicaps; and the promotion of golf to all members in accordance with the United States Golf Association (USGA) Rules of Golf, the World Handicap System (WHS), and applicable local rules. The Club encourages proper golf etiquette, reasonable pace of play, care of the course, and respectful conduct toward fellow members, guests, and the general public.

Regular Membership is open to all persons eighteen (18) years of age or older. Members must maintain a GHIN number through the Deer Park Men’s Golf Club.

Associate Membership may be granted to any person eighteen (18) years of age or older who maintain a GHIN number through another recognized golf club or association and pay the applicable Associate Membership fee.

Junior Membership is available to all golfers seventeen (17) years of age or younger, or those currently enrolled in high school.

The Board of Directors may designate Honorary Memberships for individuals who have made significant contributions to the Club. Honorary Members shall have such privileges and dues status as determined by the Board and shall not be required to hold a GHIN number unless otherwise specified.

There shall be no limit on the number of Club members.

Equal privileges refers to participation in Club activities, except as otherwise specified in these Bylaws.

Membership does not include greens fees, preferred starting times, equipment storage, or any special privileges related to course operations.

Any member in good standing, including compliance with GHIN/WHS requirements, shall be eligible for prizes and awards in all Club tournaments.

A member in good standing is one who has paid all required dues and complies with these Bylaws.

The Club shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity with respect to the administration of the Club and the treatment of eligible members.

Nothing in this section is intended to alter or expand eligibility for Club membership or participation in Men’s Club events, which are governed by Article II and other applicable provisions of these Bylaws.

Eligibility for membership in the Deer Park Men’s Golf Club is limited to male golfers, consistent with the Club’s purpose as a men’s competitive golf association. The Club does not control access to Deer Park Golf Course, which remains open to the public. Women participate through the Women’s Club and open or mixed events.

Voting rights shall be limited to regular members in good standing. Associate members, Junior Members, and Honorary Members may attend membership meetings and may provide input, but shall not be eligible to vote.

Dues shall be established at a level sufficient to cover tournaments, awards, administrative costs, and Club activities.

No portion of Club dues shall be refundable.

Dues are payable on or after January 1 and must be paid prior to participation in any Club-sponsored event.

The fiscal year of the Club shall be from January 1 through December 31.

The Board of Directors shall consist of nine (9) members, inclusive of the elected officers. The President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall serve as Directors by virtue of their office.

The Board of Directors shall govern the affairs and activities of the Club. The Board shall assist with officer nominations; establish membership dues; approve schedules, events, and programs; create and oversee committees; and review actions or decisions of officers or committees as necessary.

The Board of Directors shall have the authority to act on behalf of the Club between membership meetings, subject to the provisions of these Bylaws. The Board shall keep the membership reasonably informed of major decisions affecting Club operations.

The Board of Directors shall have fiduciary responsibility for the financial affairs of the Club and shall ensure that reasonable financial controls are maintained. This responsibility includes oversight of income, expenditures, and account balances.

The Treasurer shall present periodic financial reports to the Board of Directors. A financial summary shall be made available to the membership at least annually. The Board may authorize audits, reviews, or other financial examinations when it deems appropriate.

Directors shall serve one (1) year terms, may be re-elected without limitations, and shall continue to serve until their successors are duly elected.

Directors should make reasonable efforts to attend Board meetings. A pattern of non-attendance may be reviewed by the Board and may result in removal.

Vacancies shall be filled by Board appointment. An appointed Director shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.

No officer or Director shall receive compensation for service to the Club, except for reimbursement of approved expenses.

The officers of the Club shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, serving two-year terms. Officers may be nominated by the Board of Directors or by any member and shall be elected by the membership.

Officer terms shall begin immediately following their election and shall continue until successors are elected. Officer terms may be staggered to promote continuity of leadership, as determined by the Board of Directors.

President presides over meetings; Vice President assists the President; Secretary maintains records; Treasurer manages finances.

Responsible for Club tournaments and competitions.

Responsible for GHIN/WHS handicap administration. The Handicap Committee shall follow World Handicap System (WHS) procedures, including annual handicap review and committee-applied adjustments when warranted, to ensure fair and equitable competition.

Responsible for member communications.

The Nominating Committee may assist in soliciting nominations but shall not limit nominations.

The five (5) non-officer Director positions shall be elected annually, while officers shall be elected biennially.

Voting may be conducted in person, electronically, or by other methods authorized by the Board.

Elections are typically conducted annually during the fall season, with dates announced in advance.

The Board of Directors shall hold two (2) membership meetings each year, one at the start of the season and one at the end of the season. Additional membership meetings may be called by the President or upon written request of ten (10) members.

A quorum for membership meetings shall consist of the members present, provided proper notice of the meeting has been given.

Notice of meetings may be provided electronically.

Meetings shall be conducted in an orderly and fair manner, with Robert’s Rules of Order as a general guide when needed.

Electronic communication shall be considered equivalent to written notice unless otherwise required.

The Board shall meet following annual elections.

Board meetings shall be called by the President or at the request of a majority of the Board.

Five (5) members constitute a quorum.

Unsportsmanlike conduct includes, but is not limited to, behavior that materially harms the Club, its members, its competitions, or its reputation. This includes conduct occurring during Club events, on Club premises, or in connection with Club participation. Conduct detrimental to the best interests of the Club, as determined by the Board of Directors, may also be subject to discipline.

The Board of Directors may impose discipline for violations, including verbal or written warnings, suspension from Club events, loss of prize eligibility, or termination of membership privileges.

A member subject to potential discipline shall be given notice and an opportunity to be heard before action is taken, when practical.

Discipline requires a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board. A disciplined member may request review by the Board.

Grievances shall be presented to the Board, either verbally or in writing. The Board may request that a grievance be submitted in writing and may provide a written response when appropriate.

The Club may protect its officers, directors, and committee members from personal financial loss for actions taken on behalf of the Club, as allowed by law. This protection does not apply to illegal acts or intentional wrongdoing.

Dissolution requires a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors and approval by a majority of the members voting at a duly called membership meeting or through an electronic vote, provided proper notice has been given.

Upon dissolution, any remaining funds shall be distributed to active paid members, donated to junior golf programs or charitable organizations, with preference given to organizations that promote junior golf or the game of golf, or otherwise disposed of as determined by the Board.

Amendments may be proposed by the Board of Directors or by the membership.

Amendments shall be approved by a majority vote of the members, either at a duly called membership meeting or through an electronic survey.

Proposed amendments may be distributed to the membership in writing or electronically prior to the meeting at which they are to be considered. Amendments shall become effective immediately unless otherwise specified.

These Bylaws supersede and replace all prior versions of the Club’s Bylaws.

These Bylaws were approved by the membership on March 31, 2026 and are in full effect.