STYAL GOLF CLUB MEMBERSHIP RULES

1.SITUATION

a. The Club shall be held upon such part of the premises within the confines of the grounds owned by Styal Golf Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “the Proprietor”) that shall from time to time be designated by the Proprietor for the use of the Members of the Club (hereinafter called ”the Club premises”) .The payment of an Annual subscription
(Hereinafter referred to as “subscriptions”) by a Member shall entitle that Member to the use of the Club premises subject to the rules applicable to that Membership category during the Club year for which the payment is made.

b.The Proprietor may add to or alter the Club premises. If additional facilities for the use of Members shall be added to the Club premises, the Proprietor may make an additional charge for the use of the additional facilities.

c. The Proprietor reserves the right to refuse admission at any time and also reserves the right to close areas or exclude equipment from use for maintenance or repairs. Notices will be posted prior to the occurrence.

2. CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP
Equal privileges within each membership category shall be granted to all members regardless of gender.

3. GOLF MEMBERSHIP

a. The proprietor reserves the right to limit any increase in members to the Club and decide the numbers of members in any category admitted into the Club at the commencement of any Club year.

b. In the event of renewal of membership not being offered by the Proprietor to any member, that member is entitled to a refund of half the entrance fee paid, unless that person has been a member for 2 consecutive years, in which case the member is not entitled to a refund.

c. Acceptance of membership of the Club and payment of the annual subscription constitutes an agreement between the Member and the Proprietor to observe the Rule and Regulations of the Club.

4. ENTRANCE FEE AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

a. The Proprietor shall fix entrance Fees and Annual Subscriptions.

b. Annual Subscriptions are payable to the Proprietor and become due on the first day in June.

5. SUBSCRIPTION IN ARREARS
Any Member whose annual subscription is in arrears up to 14 days may be barred from using the Club facilities

6. BREACH OF RULES
Any Member committing a breach of the Rules of the Club or so misbehaving, or behaving in a manner to the detriment of the Club, or the Proprietor or the annoyance of any of its Members, or in the opinion of the Proprietor in any other way acting in such a manner as to cause the Proprietor to desire to terminate his/her Membership, shall be dealt with in such a manner as the Proprietor may from time to time determine and may be expelled from the Club. The Club Handicaps and Competitions Committees may, subject to written consent of the Proprietor, suspend or terminate the Membership of any Member whose conduct whether on the Club premises or elsewhere, is or has been, in the opinion of the Committee(s), contrary to the interests of the Club and injurious to its reputation. The decision of the Proprietor shall be final and binding. Before any action is taken the Member concerned will be given the opportunity to state his/her case.

7. DRESS
It is our endeavour to maintain the Club Premises as a pleasant social gathering place for all to enjoy. At all times the following minimum standards are required:

a. Smart casual dress must be worn at all times, heavily advertised clothing e.g. Football Shirts & Track Suits MUST NOT be worn on the 18 hole course

b. Golf shoes must be worn on the 18 hole course, training shoes are allowed on the PAR 3 course

8. VISITORS INTRODUCED BY MEMBERS
Members may introduce visitors to the Club for a reduced green fee subject to the Proprietor’s agreement. In2golf Members can sign in guests but they do not receive a reduced fee. Members must accompany their visitors on the golf course for them to receive such a rate. Three visitors only, can be registered for the reduced rate at any one time. Members “guests” fee must be paid prior to playing the course.

9. BANK HOLIDAYS
Bank holidays are classed as weekends and green fees charged accordingly.

10. VISITORS GREEN FEES
No visitor shall be allowed to play on the course except upon the payment of such Green Fee. Green Fees shall be paid to the Golf Professional or the Golf Starter or other nominee of the Proprietor before commencing play.

11. HOURS
The Club premises shall be opened and closed daily at such times as shall be fixed by the Proprietor. In the event of the Proprietor having any special function or letting the Club premises or any part of the Club premises for any such function the Proprietor shall be entitled to close the Club premises to Members in respect of such an event, or shall admit them upon such terms as the Proprietor may think proper. The Proprietor shall be entitled to admit visitors to the Club premises or any party thereof when he thinks fit.

12. MANAGEMENT
The Management of the Club premises and its staff and the use of the Club premises shall be entirely under the Proprietor’s control.

13. AUTHORITIES AND CONDUCT OF THE GAME

a) The Club recognises the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews as the ruling body of amateur golf and agrees to abide by the rules of golf and amateur status laid down by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews

b) The Club agrees to comply totally with the Regulations and Rules of the S.S.S. and the Handicapping Scheme 1983 and any conditions imposed within the Scheme by the English Golf Union and any amendments thereto.

c) The Club agreed to comply with the Constitution and Rules of the English Golf Union, English Womens Golf Association and of the Cheshire Union of Golf Clubs as a condition of the affiliation to those bodies.

d) The Club shall provide a facility enabling Male members to elect sufficient members to form:-
A Gentlemen's Handicap and Competition Committee comprising of a majority of elected members to have complete control of Gentlemen’s handicapping matters within the Club and competitions organised by the Club for Gentlemen

e) The Club shall provide a facility enabling Lady members to elect sufficient members to form: -
A Ladies Handicap and Competition Committee comprising of a majority of elected Lady Members to have complete control of Ladies handicapping matters within the Club and competitions organised by the Club for Ladies.

f) The Captain of the Club shall be elected for a period of one year commencing the 1st January, by a Committee comprising of past Captains plus the Director of Golf

g) The Lady Captain shall be elected for a period of one year in a manner laid down by the Ladies Committee plus The Director of Golf

h) Subscription of EGU, EWGA or other National Unions.
The Club agrees to pay all annual per capita subscriptions due to the county Union, Ladies County Union, the English Golf Union and the English Ladies Golf Association in respect of every male and female playing members of whatever category.

i) Disciplinary Powers
The Club shall, whenever necessary exercise the disciplinary powers delegated to them under the EGU Constitution in respect of any breach of the Rules of the Union, or for conduct which prejudices the interests of the Union in the game.

14. ELECTIONS TO COMMITTEES

GENTLEMEN’S HANDICAPS & COMPETITIONS COMMITTEE -
On the 1st November the Gentlemen's Handicaps & Competitions Committee shall post on the Club’s notice board a nomination sheet stating the members to be elected or re-elected for the next Committee year 1st January to 31st December. If the number of members proposed is not more than sufficient to fill the vacancies such members shall be duly elected. If the number proposed shall be more than the vacancies existing, a vote of the Gentlemen members shall be taken by ballot in such a manner that Committee shall decide. All members forwarding their names on the nomination sheet must have a proposer and seconder. The elected members shall continue in office for a period not exceeding two years, but shall be eligible for re-election after such period.
The Committee shall have power to fill casual vacancies on the Committee until the next annual Meeting. The Captain shall be co-opted to the Committee for the period of his Captaincy.

LADIES COMMITTEE
The Ladies Section has one General Committee with a minimum of nine members. This is chaired by the Lady Captain and incorporates the Honorary positions of Ladies Secretary, Treasurer and Handicap Secretary as well as 3 Handicap Committee Members and Match Secretary.
In addition Mr. G Traynor, Director of Golf, attends Committee Meetings and the Annual Meeting. The full range of major and general competitions are arranged by the Handicap Committee, the Secretary or the committee member responsible for Sunday Mixed Competitions.
The whole committee meets once per month throughout the year and ad hoc meetings between the different sections are called if necessary.

ELECTION TO THE COMMITTEE
Election takes place at the Annual Meeting of the Ladies Section which is held in January each year. Committee members are elected for a two year period but may offer themselves for re-election when their term ends.
If there are any vacancies on the committee they are advertised on the notice regarding the Annual Meeting and any full lady members may stand for election providing her nomination is proposed and seconded by two full lady members. In the event of more nominations than vacancies a ballot will be held at the meeting.

LADY CAPTAIN
Each Lady Captain takes up office for one year, and automatically goes back on to the committee to serve a further year. At the Annual Meeting when she takes up office she also announces who her Vice Captain will be. Lady Captain can only be chosen from Ladies who have served on the committee

ANNUAL MEETING
The Secretary puts a notice on the board 21 days in advance of the meeting which is normally held on a Wednesday evening towards the end of January. For the sake of clarity, and to keep lady members informed, those committee members who will continue for a further year are listed together with committee members who are willing to be re-elected in the positions they already hold. Any vacancies due to retirement are advertised. Nominations must be proposed and seconded by full lady members

15. ELECTIONS TO THE SOCIAL COMMITTEE - LADIES &/OR GENTLEMEN
On the 1st November the Social Committee shall post on the Club’s notice board a nomination sheet stating the members to be elected or re-elected for the next Committee year 1st January to 31st December If the number of members proposed is not more than sufficient to fill the vacancies such members shall be duly elected. If the number proposed shall be more than the existing vacancies, a vote shall be taken of all Members by ballot in such a manner that Committee shall decide. All members forwarding their names on the nomination sheet must have a proposer and a seconder. The elected members shall continue in office for a period not exceeding two years, but shall be eligible for re-election after such period. The Social Committee shall have power to fill casual vacancies on the Committee until the next Annual Meeting. The Social Committee will have the option to co-opt The Captain & /or The Lady Captain to the Committee for the period of his/her Captaincy.

16. DUTIES OF THE GENTLEMEN'S HANDICAPS & COMPETITIONS COMMITTEE & DUTIES OF THE LADIES COMMITTEE
The Committees shall liaise with the Proprietor on behalf of the Club Members and be responsible for the following:

a) The arrangements for the holding of all Golf Competitions, Matches and Tournaments subject to prior consultation with the Director of Golf or other nominee of the Proprietor who may allocate such dates and times as he requires.

b) The compilation and administration of a Club Fixture List, listing dates on which fixtures are to be arranged for submission for the approval of the Proprietor in time for organization of the golf course during the next Club year.

c) The use of the Golf course and Club facilities by Members and members’ guests in liaison with the Director of Golf or other nominee of the Proprietor whose consent must be obtained before any bookings are accepted or declined.

d) The handicapping of all Members according to the Rules, C.O.N.G.U. for gentlemen and E.L.G.A. for ladies.

e) Golf Etiquette.

f) Any restriction, which the Committees may require on the use of the course by Members subject to prior approval of the Proprietor.

g) The administration of competition fund raised through internal competition entry fees.

h) The Committees may co-opt sub-committees and make Bye-laws for the purpose of dealing with matters coming within the province of its control provided that the Proprietor first approves such Byelaws.

i) Where any Officer of the Club, duly appointed, is authorised to act on behalf of the Proprietor he will be indemnified by the Proprietor against liability for such acts.

17. Annual Meetings of the Gents Competitions & Handicaps Committee & THE Ladies Committee.
The Gents Competitions & Handicaps Committee shall post a notice on the 1st Nov for all male members to attend the Annual Meeting of the Gents Handicaps & Competitions Committee on the 2nd Thursday in January. The Ladies Committee shall post a notice at least 21 days prior to the Annual Meeting of The Ladies Committee for all Lady Members to attend the Annual Meeting of The Ladies Committee.

18. HONORARY SECRETARY
The Director of Golf shall carry out all the duties attached to this office.

19. JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP (under 18 before 1st June)

a) All Junior Members must show proof of age before joining

b) Junior Members or players must play with adults if playing at peak times.

c) Restrictions on Junior play during peak times may be enforced by the professional.

20. COLT MEMBERSHIP (under 27 by the 1st June.) – Proof of age required

21. USE OF THE GOLF COURSE
The Members are able to use the golf course subject to the following conditions:

a) The use of the Course is controlled by the allocation of starting times daily.

b) Starting times for weekdays may be booked up to 14 days in advance unless prior arrangements have been made with the Proprietor.

c) Members should book starting times through the Golf Professional or the Proprietor’s nominee.

d) In agreement with the proprietor an allocation of times will be made for Medals and Competitions arranged by the Committees in accordance with their fixture list.

e) Play will normally commence from the 1st tee. Starting from any other tee is only permitted after obtaining agreement from the Starter or Golf Professional’s shop.

f) Members unable to honour starting times reserved with the official Starter should notify the cancellation to the Starter or Golf Professional’s shop, at least 24 hours before the tee off time.

g) If a Member should fail to attend at the designated starting time at the time booked, he/she will be charged a cancellation fee if the tee time is not allocated.

22. GOLF STARTING TIMES
Members must obtain a starting time for any round from the official starter as defined under the rules and conditions governing the use of the course issued by the Proprietor.

23. ON THE COURSE
If a ball is lost, five minutes is the maximum time allowed for the search. If players are waiting behind they MUST be waved through immediately the search for the ball commences and must not be kept waiting during the search period. When waving a party through, stand well clear of their line of shot and to facilitate speed of play watch their shots. Having waved a party through, play must not proceed until all players in front are out of range. Having played to the green, golf equipment should be parked at the exit from the green nearest to the next tee to minimise delays. Trolleys must not be wheeled inside the line of bunkers guarding greens, nor on the tees. Having holed out, the green and its vicinity should be cleared immediately. Speed of play tends to vary with experience. If you have dropped one full hole behind those in front and the party behind are waiting to play, THEY MUST BE WAVED THROUGH. PLAYERS MUST ALWAYS KEEP UP WITH THE GROUP IN FRONT NOT JUST AHEAD OF THE GROUP FOLLOWING.

24. CARE OF THE COURSE
REPLACE ALL DIVOTS, wherever you are on the course and tramp down firmly. REPAIR PITCH MARKS ON THE GREENS, your own and any other you may notice. A small implement can be obtained from the professional FREE. When leaving a Bunker USE THE RAKES PROVIDED to level all footprints and any other damage caused by yourself or others. DO NOT CLIMB UP THE FACE OF ANY BUNKER INCLUDING THOSE BUNKERS WITH GRASS FACES. RAKES SHOULD BE LEFT IN THE BUNKER NOT ON THE SIDES.

25. GOLF PRACTICE
Practice is restricted to:
a) To the driving range where a ball token can be purchased

b) A Member playing on his/her own must not play more than 2 balls

c) Playing practice shots towards greens or out of bunkers on the course IS NOT ALLOWED

d) Practise putting green adjacent to the Starter’s Hut

26. CONDUCT OF THE GAME
Rules of golf as approved by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews shall be observed in all matches and competitions. The Committees shall have the power to make or amend local rules to meet their requirements of the course subject to the prior approval of such local rules by the Proprietor.

27. HANDICAPPING
E.G.U Rules apply – see Standard Scratch Score and Handicapping Scheme 1983 for gentlemen (Amended 1983 –1996). E.W.G.A. Rules apply for Ladies.

28. COMPETITIONS
Competitions may be played on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Committees may arrange other competitions with prior permission from the Proprietor

29. ALTERATION OF RULES
These rules may be altered, deleted or added to either generally or for any particular occasion by the Proprietor, upon prior notice being given to the Committees and by publication on the Club Notice Boards.

30. LOSS OR DAMAGE
The Proprietor and the Club, its Officers and Committee Members will not be responsible for loss of or damage to, any property or effects of Members or Visitors in or upon the Club premises or any other adjacent or neighbouring areas belonging to the Proprietor from any cause whatsoever.

31. MEMBERSHIP CARDS
Membership cards or discs remain the property of the Proprietor and must be produced on demand to such person, as the Proprietor shall appoint to examine them or the Manager, Golf Professional or Starter.

32. INTERPRETATIONS
The Proprietor whose decision shall be final shall decide interpretations of these Rules. In the event of any conflict between these Regulations and any local or other bye-laws, these rules shall prevail.

33. CAR PARK
Cars must be parked correctly between the white painted lines in the car park.
Cars on the Golf Club premise are at risk of being hit by golf balls.
Please also be aware that cars have been broken into. DO NOT leave valuables on view.
You park your car at your own risk.

34. LOST PROPERTY
Members must claim any lost property or left belongings at their earliest convenience, and if not claimed within 21 days, such property will be used or disposed of at the discretion of the Proprietor.

35. DRIVEWAY
When entering and exiting the Club, observe all signs on the driveway related to speed limits and etiquette.

36. INSURANCE
It is strongly recommended that you acquire comprehensive Golf Insurance.

37. OPENING HOURS
Golf Course
Monday – Friday - 7.30 am – 9.30 pm
Saturday and Sunday - 7.00 am – 8.30 pm
(The above times may be changed due to seasonal conditions)

Driving Range
Monday – Friday - 7.30 am – 9.30 pm (last bucket 9pm)
Saturday and Sunday - 7.00 am – 8.30 pm (last bucket 8 pm)

If you are not satisfied or you feel you may be able to suggest ways of helping us improve the quality of our service and facilities then please write to: -
The Director of Golf, Styal Golf Club Ltd, Station Road, Styal, Cheshire SK9 4JN 01625 530063 ext 214 or by e-mail: gtraynor@styalgolf.co.uk

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