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Constitution & Bye Laws
Peterculter Golf Club Constitution
As at 7th March 2008
(Point 5(f) (ix) added Feb. 2003)
(Point 3 (d) amended and becomes Point 3(d) and 3(e) and Point 3(e) is re-numbered as Point 3(f) in Feb. 2006)
(Point 3(a) updated in 2008)
1. Name
The name of the Club shall be the "Peterculter Golf Club".
2. Objects of the Club
The Club is a non profit making body formed to:
(a) promote the Game of Golf in the village of Peterculter and surrounding areas,
(b) acquire by purchase, lease or otherwise any other lands or property situated contiguous to the premises of the Club or elsewhere and such as may be deemed by the Club likely to advance or benefit, either directly or indirectly, the interests of the Club,
(c) maintain and conduct a Golf Club for the accommodation of the members of the Club, guests and visitors, and to provide a clubhouse and other conveniences, and generally to afford to members, guests and visitors, all the usual privileges, advantages, conveniences and accommodation of a Club,
(d) provide and maintain a clubhouse, a greenkeeper's house, club makers premises, caddie shelter, garages, stores and other buildings, offices and erections,
(e) purchase, hire, lease, make or provide and maintain and sell or otherwise dispose of all kinds of equipment and other things required or which may be conveniently used in connection with the course and grounds, clubhouse and other premises of the Club.
(f) buy, prepare, make, sell, supply and deal in all kinds of golf clubs, balls and equipment used in connection with the game of golf, and provide all kinds of liquors, provisions and refreshments,
(g) hire and employ all staff deemed necessary for the purposes of the Club and pay to them and to other persons in return for services rendered to the Club salaries, wages, charges and pensions,
(h) promote, hold and arrange golf and other matches and competitions, and offer and grant or contribute towards the provision of prizes, awards and distinctions,
(i) borrow or raise money, and secure the repayment thereof in such manner as the Club may think fit, and, in particular, by the issue of debentures or debenture stock, bills of exchange, promissory notes or other obligations or securities of the Club or by mortgage or charge upon all or any part of the property of the Club,
(j) construct, maintain, improve, work, manage, carry out or control any roads, ways and other works and conveniences which may to the Club seem calculated, directly or indirectly, to advance the Club's interest,
(k) accumulate reserves or other funds, and to apply any such funds for the benefit of the Club or its members, or distribute the same among the members in such manner as the Club may from time to time determine,
(l) pay the whole professional and other costs, charges and expenses or remuneration, incurred in connection with the running of the Club, and
(m) do all such other lawful things which are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above objects or any of them.
3. Office Bearers
(a) The Office Bearers of the Club shall consist of a Captain, Vice Captain, Secretary and Treasurer (any two of the foregoing Offices may be combined in one person). The Committee of Management (the Committee) shall comprise of the aforementioned Office Bearers, the immediate Past Captain and nine Ordinary Members of which there shall be a minimum number of two of both ladies and gentlemen. Five Members of the Committee shall form a quorum and at any meeting of the Committee the Captain or Vice Captain must be present.
(b) (i) The Captain and Vice Captain shall be proposed, seconded (in accordance with Rule 3(d)) and elected by ballot at each Annual General Meeting. They shall hold office until the next Annual General Meeting when they shall retire, but shall be eligible for re-election for one further year. After serving for two years the Captain shall retire and shall not be eligible for re-election as Captain and the Vice Captain shall retire and shall not be eligible for re-election as Vice Captain until a further period of five years has elapsed. Subject to his agreement to serve, the immediate Past Captain shall be invited to serve a further year on the Committee as an additional ex-officio Ordinary Member after vacating the office of Captain.
(ii) The Secretary and Treasurer shall be proposed, seconded (in accordance with Rule 3(d)) and elected by ballot at each Annual General Meeting. They shall hold office until the next Annual General Meeting when they shall retire but shall be eligible for re-election.
(iii) A vacancy occurring in any of the positions of Officers of the Club during the year may be filled by co-option by the Committee, with the exception of the position of Captain. A vacancy in the position of Captain will be taken by the Vice Captain. The members so appointed will be eligible to serve until the next Annual General Meeting when they shall retire but shall be eligible for re-election.
(c) Three Ordinary Members being those members who have served longest since last being elected to the Committee, shall retire each year, but shall be eligible for re-election provided that a member shall not serve in excess of four years consecutively as an Ordinary Member of the Committee. A member shall not be eligible for re-election as an Ordinary Member until a further period of two years has elapsed. In the event of more than three Ordinary Members having the same longest period of service, those to retire will be decided by lot.
(d) The election of Office Bearers of the Club shall take place as follows:
(i) Any member may propose one or more names of members who are willing to serve. The names of those members who are willing to serve shall be voted on at the Annual General Meeting in accordance with the provisions of sub-clause (ii) below. The names of each member so nominated shall be sent in writing to the Secretary stating the name of the candidate and his or her proposer and seconder at least fourteen days prior to the Annual General Meeting accompanied by written confirmation signed by the candidate, consenting to his proposed election and willingness to serve if so elected. The said Notice shall specify the post for which the member is standing.
(ii) An alphabetical list of all candidates for a position as an Office Bearer shall be posted on the Notice Board of the Club at least seven days before the Annual General Meeting. In the event of a vote for a position as an Office Bearer at the Annual General Meeting each member entitled to vote shall have a single vote. Any candidate achieving more than 50% of the votes cast shall be elected. In the event of a vote involving more than two candidates for a position as an Office Bearer and, following a count, no candidate has secured more than 50% of the votes cast, the candidate with the lowest number of votes shall be eliminated and a further vote or votes shall take place until only two candidates remain, at which stage a final vote shall be taken and any candidate who shall secure more than 50% of the votes cast shall be elected. In the event that, at any stage of the voting process, two or more candidates shall jointly have the lowest number of votes the Chairperson shall select by lot the candidate to be eliminated from the subsequent round of voting.
(iii) In the event that two candidates for the same position as Office Bearer each secure 50% of the votes cast, the Chairperson shall select by lot the successful candidate.
(iv) In the event that the number of vacancies for Office Bearer exceeds the number of candidates, the General Meeting shall have the power to fill the vacancies.
(e) The election of Ordinary Members of the Committee shall take place as follows:
(i) Any member may propose one or more names of members who are willing to serve. The names of those members who are willing to serve shall be voted on at the Annual General Meeting and those, to the number asked for, having the majority of votes shall be elected. The name of each member so nominated shall be sent in writing to the Secretary stating the name of the candidate and his or her proposer and seconder at least fourteen days prior to the Annual General Meeting accompanied by written confirmation, signed by the candidate, consenting to his proposed election and willingness to serve if so elected.
(ii) An alphabetical list of all candidates shall be posted on the Notice Board of the Club at least seven days before the Annual General Meeting. In the event of a vote at the Annual General Meeting each member entitled to vote shall have three votes for first choice, two votes for second choice and one vote for third choice and in the event of any member failing to use each vote his voting paper shall be considered a spoiled paper.
(iii) If two or more candidates obtain an equal number of votes, the Chairperson shall select by lot the successful candidate or candidates.
(iv) In the event that the number of vacancies for Ordinary Members exceeds the number of candidates, the General Meeting shall have power to fill the vacancies.
(v) Vacancies occurring in the Committee during the year may be filled forthwith by co-option and the Ordinary Members so appointed shall serve until the next Annual General Meeting when they will retire but will be eligible for election. Co-opted Members retiring will be in addition to those retiring in terms of Clause 3(c).
(f) (i) No Office Bearer shall rent or lease land to the Club.
(ii) No Office Bearer shall be a relative, business partner or person acting under the direction of any person leasing or renting land to the Club.
(iii) No Office Bearer shall be a relative, business partner or person acting under the direction of any person associated with the Club who receives emolunents based on the turnover of any aspect of the Club's activity.
4. The Committee
(a) The Committee shall endeavour to hold meetings every month, the Chairperson to be the Captain or in his stead the Vice Captain or other person nominated by the Committee. The Committee shall be responsible for the management of all the affairs of the Club, and they shall be entitled to remit any of their powers to sub-committee. Minutes shall be taken of all proceedings of the Committee and any lawfully appointed Sub-Committee and shall be open to the inspection of any member of the Club applying to the Secretary therefor. In addition to the monthly meetings of the Committee, meetings may be called by a requisition of the Captain or by a requisition of three Ordinary Members of the Committee or by the requisition of twelve ordinary or life members, all in writing to the Secretary who shall intimate in writing to the Committee the proposed meeting and the date, time and place. Any Committee meeting requisitioned as aforesaid shall be held within fourteen days of the Secretary receiving notice of the proposed Committee meeting.
(b) (i) The Secretary shall conduct the correspondence of the Club, and shall have the custody of all documents and papers belonging to the Club. He shall keep full and correct Minutes of all proceedings and meetings and records of all Club competitions.
(ii) The Treasurer shall keep correct Accounts and Books showing the financial affairs and the intromissions of the Club. The Treasurer shall make, the annual Statement of Accounts and Balance Sheet of the Club available to members.
(c) No Office Bearer or Ordinary Member of the Committee and no manager or member of staff employed in the Club shall have any personal interest in the sale of excisable liquors or other goods by the Club or the profits arising from such sales.
(d) At any General Meeting the Committee may propose such levy or additional levy as they think necessary or expedient for the financial well-being of the Club.
(e) The Committee shall normally hold their meetings in private. The Committee may, in its absolute discretion, admit non-Committee Members and ordinary members of the public to observe and assist in the discussion of specific items of business. All non Committee Members shall leave the meeting when so requested by the Committee.
(f) The Committee shall authorise the lady Ordinary Members to elect a Ladies Committee for the purpose of administering the Ladies Golf Union Rules and organising other matters solely affecting lady members.
(g) At any meeting of the Committee, each Office Bearer and Ordinary Member will be entitled to one vote on each issue. The Chairperson shall be entitled to a vote and where there is an equality of votes the Chairperson shall have a second and casting vote. Each issue will be decided by a majority vote of those present and voting.
(h) The Committee shall have the power to make and amend bye-laws which shall apply to members, guests and visitors. A copy of such bye-laws as made or amended will be posted on the notice board of the Club and thereafter all such bye-laws will be binding on all members, guests and visitors until set aside by the Committee or by a General Meeting of the Club.
(i) The Committee may suspend expel or impose any other penalty, restriction or other punishment upon any member (which term shall be taken to include all categories of membership as defined in Clause 5 hereof) whose conduct, behaviour or other actings or omissions either within or outwith the Club's premises shall be in breach of any rule, bye-law or other regulation or requirement validly made by or on behalf of the Club or shall otherwise be harmful or injurious to the character, interests or reputation of the Club, its members, guests, visitors, staff or representatives or generally harmful to the harmonious operation of the Club. Any member being expelled or suspended under this Clause shall not be entitled to any refund of entrance fee or annual subscription. Any member whose membership of the Club has been suspended as aforesaid shall not be entitled to play on the course, compete for any Club prize or medal or vote at any meetings. No member shall be suspended or expelled in terms hereof unless the same shall have been agreed by three/fourths of the Members of the Committee present at the meeting considering the conduct of such member.
Any member who feels aggrieved by any decision of the Committee shall have the right to appeal in writing to the Secretary stating the grounds of appeal within fourteen days of receipt by him of written intimation of the Committee's decision. Any such appeal will be dealt with by a sub-committee of three persons appointed by the Captain whom failing the Vice-Captain (whether or not such persons are members of the Committee) providing always that they have not previously been involved in the disciplinary procedure. The Committee will be appraised of the decision of the sub-committee and will thereafter decide whether to uphold or dismiss the appeal or to modify any penalty previously imposed.
(j) An Office Bearer or Ordinary Member of the Committee may be suspended from taking part in any meetings of the Committee if the Committee thinks it has reasonable cause to do so. For the purpose of this rule, reasonable cause shall include failing to attend three consecutive meetings of the Committee or bringing the Club into disrepute. The Committee shall have the power to suspend such Office Bearer or Ordinary Member only after taking into consideration all circumstances applicable to the particular case before them. A three-fourth majority of the Committee Members present will be required to suspend such an Office Bearer or Ordinary Member. In any vote the Office Bearer or Ordinary Member whom it is proposed to suspend may not take part. Under this rule three-fourths of the Committee shall be a quorum.
5. Membership
(a) Membership of the Club shall be limited to a number to be fixed at the discretion of the Committee (preference being given to applicants resident within the boundaries of Aberdeen City Council or its successors). The Committee shall be obliged to endeavour to ensure that a minimum of 60% of membership are or were at the time of their membership application resident within the village of Peterculter (as the term "the village of Peterculter" may be defined from time to time by the Committee).
(b) Any person desiring to be admitted to membership of the Club, other than Temporary or Honorary Membership, shall be proposed by one member and seconded by three other members to all of whom he or she must be personally known. The completed Nomination (Application) Form containing a recommendation shall be signed by a proposer and three seconders and shall be sent to the Secretary who shall immediately place these names on the waiting list in the order of date of receipt. At each Committee meeting, the Committee shall review the waiting list and if the relevant category of membership of the Club has fallen to less than the maximum allowed under the Constitution, candidates for such category of membership shall be considered for such category of membership. Those candidates shall be elected in accordance with the provisions of Rule 5(d) below by a majority of the Committee at the next following Committee meeting when they shall be offered the appropriate category of membership. The names and addresses of those applicants to be elected shall be displayed on the Club notice board for a minimum period of seven days after receipt and a period of not less than fourteen days should elapse between nomination and the election of such applicant.
(c) Immediately following the election of a candidate for membership the Secretary shall notify the same to him or her together with a copy of the Club Rules and a request for payment of his or her subscription for the year then current plus entrance fee. No person so elected shall participate in any advantages of the Club until payment of the aforementioned is received. In the event of the annual subscription not being paid within one month of the election the election of such candidate shall be void, unless a majority of the Committee is satisfied that the reason for non payment was outwith the control of the candidate. For the avoidance of doubt no deferment of an offer of membership shall be permitted.
(d) All annual subscriptions [except the first subscription of a new member as provided for in Rule 5(c)] shall be payable by First March. If any subscription is outstanding as at 31st March the Membership in question shall be deemed to have been terminated. A renewal notice will be issued by the Secretary but no reminder will be sent.
If any member who shall cease to be a member by virtue of this rule, gives to the Committee a satisfactory explanation, he or she may, in the absolute discretion of the Committee and upon payment of arrears be re-admitted to membership without penalty of an entrance fee.
(e) Members shall pay all levies or additional levies proposed by the Committee and approved by the Membership at a General Meeting. Such levies or additional levies shall be payable either in addition to the annual subscription or otherwise as may be approved by the Membership as aforesaid. Any member who fails to pay any validly imposed levy may at the discretion of the Committee be suspended or expelled from Membership of the Club.
(f) Membership of the Club shall be as follows:
(i) Ordinary Members shall be persons over the age of eighteen years who apply for membership and are elected as aforesaid. The Committee shall establish two waiting lists for Ordinary Membership as follows: (a) "The Culter List" for applicants resident within the village of Peterculter (as hereinbefore defined), applicants who are the legal spouses of existing ordinary members and applicants who transfer from the "Culter List" for junior membership; (b) "The Non Culter List" for all other applicants. All available memberships shall be offered firstly to applicants on the Culter List and only if there is no suitable applicant on the Culter List shall membership be offered to candidates on the Non Culter List. In all cases membership shall be offered to applicants as places become available in strict chronological order according to the date of receipt of their applications. Applications for ordinary membership will not be accepted from or on behalf of any person under the age of eighteen years.
(ii) Junior Members will be persons over the age of 7 years and under the age of eighteen years who apply for membership and are elected as aforesaid. The Committee shall establish two waiting lists for junior membership as follows: (a) "The Culter List" for applicants who are resident within the village of Peterculter (as hereinbefore defined) or are children of existing ordinary members, including the children of ordinary members who shall have deceased after the child's application for junior membership has been received: (b) "The Non Culter List" for all other applicants. All available memberships shall be offered firstly to applicants on the Culter List and only if there is no suitable applicant on the Culter List shall membership be offered to candidates on the Non Culter List. In all cases membership shall be offered to applicants as places become available in strict chronological order according to the date of receipt of their applications. The Committee shall, however, ensure that priority is given to those applicants on the Culter List whose applications have been outstanding for 12 months or more and who have reached the age of seventeen years.
Applications for junior membership may be made at any age but in the event of an applicant reaching the top of a waiting list before reaching the minimum age for membership, such applicant will not be offered membership but will remain at the top the waiting list until he or she reaches such minimum age.
Applicants for junior membership who have not been offered membership by the time they reach the age of eighteen years will be entitled to have their application transferred to the appropriate waiting list for ordinary membership as if their application for ordinary membership had been received on the date of receipt of their application for junior membership.
On attaining the age of eighteen years junior members will automatically be entitled to become ordinary members of the Club without payment of a joining fee and subject to such transitional arrangements as the Committee may determine from time to time regarding payment of the annual membership fee.
(iii) Social Members shall be persons over the age of eighteen years who are restricted to the privileges of the clubhouse and who shall have no voting power. The maximum number of social members at any time will be 100 (or such number as may be determined by the Committee). Priority will be given to applications for social membership in the following order, namely, firstly spouses of existing ordinary members, secondly applicants resident within the village of Peterculter (as hereinbefore defined) and thirdly any other applicants. Applicants within the said categories will be dealt with in strict chronological order in accordance with the date of receipt of the applications. The granting of social membership to any person confers no entitlement on that person to annual renewal of that membership.
(iv) Term Members shall be subject to a limited number and entrance fee to be established by the Committee and ratified at the Annual General Meeting, who shall be subject to all the rules of the Constitution but will not be liable to an annual Subscription, following payment of the agreed entrance fee. The election of term members will be entirely within the discretion of the Committee.
(v) Life Members shall be subject to a limited number and entrance fee (or fees) both of which will be proposed by the Committee and ratified or otherwise agreed at Annual General Meeting or Extraordinary General Meeting before taking effect for the current year immediately following the Annual General Meeting or for the remainder of the current year following the Extraordinary General Meeting. Members may apply for life membership after being an ordinary member for a minimum of five years. Life members shall be subject to all the rules of the Constitution but will not be liable to an annual subscription following payment of the agreed entrance fee (or fees). The election of life members will be entirely within the discretion of the Committee.
(vi) 5 Day Members shall be subject to a limited number, entrance fee and subscription all of which will be proposed by the Committee and ratified at Annual General Meeting before taking effect for the current year immediately following the Annual General Meeting. 5 Day Members will be subject to all the rules of the Constitution but will have no voting rights. They will be permitted to tee off no later than 4.30pm on weekdays only and will be subject to such rules, regulations and bye-laws as may be imposed on this membership category by the Committee.
(vii) Temporary Members which status shall be granted by the Committee for a fee and under the terms and conditions set forth by them. Included under this class of membership shall be half day, day, week and other visitor membership, in respect of which the Committee shall fix the fee payable for each classification and the times at which such visitors may play.
(viii) Honorary Members shall be persons who have given outstanding and exceptional service to the Club or in furthering the game of Golf, and shall be admitted on such terms and conditions as the Committee shall decide.
(ix) Senior Life Members shall be persons over the age of 75 who have been ordinary members for a minimum of ten years. They will be subject to all the rules of the Constitution but will not be liable to an annual subscription following payment of the agreed entrance fee (or fees). The election of senior life members will be entirely within the discretion of the Committee.
(g) Any member wishing to suspend his or her membership shall notify the same in writing to the Secretary stating the grounds for the proposed suspension. Suspension of membership shall be at the discretion of the Committee, and shall be subject to payment of an annual fee as shall be defined by the Committee, and shall not be granted unless,
(i) The member moves his or her principal place of residence to a location not less than one hundred miles from Clubhouse, for a minimum period of one year.
(ii) In the case of illness, disability or incapacity, a valid medical certificate is provided certifying that the member is unfit to play golf for a minimum period of six months.
Resumption of membership will be permitted subject to availability, and upon payment of the appropriate pro-rata subscription.
(h) Any member wishing to resign his or her membership shall notify the same, in writing to the Secretary previous to Twenty Eighth February in default of which he or she shall be liable for his or her subscription for the year coming on that day.
(i) Members shall be entitled to introduce guests to the Club and golf course who shall, however, not be supplied with excisable liquor in the Club Premises unless on the invitation and in the company of a member, and the member shall, upon the admission of such guest to the Club Premises, or immediately upon the guest being supplied with such liquor, enter his or her own name and the name and address of the guest in a book which shall be kept for the purpose, and which shall show the date of each visit. A guest may remain in the Clubhouse only so long as accompanied by the member introducing such guest.
(i) No guest may be given the privileges of the Golf Course more than once in any calendar month without the approval of the Committee. Payment of the appropriate fee should be made to the appointed person prior to commencement of play.
(ii) No member shall introduce as a guest to the Club any person who has been suspended or expelled from membership or whose presence and conduct in the clubhouse or on the course, is deemed by the Committee to be objectionable or prejudicial to the interests of the Club.
(j) Members shall notify to the Secretary any change in their address, and all notices sent to them under such addresses shall be considered as duly delivered
(k) All categories of membership are personal to the member and are not transferrable.
6. Annual General Meeting /Extraordinary General Meeting
(a) The Annual General Meeting shall be held within four months of the end of the financial year, upon a date and time to be fixed by the Committee for the following purposes,
(i) to submit a report outlining the financial and general affairs of the Club, including an estimate of the receipts and expenditure for the current financial year, and the proposed annuals fees, which proposed annual fees will be subject to approval by the Annual General Meeting,
(ii) to elect Ordinary Members of Committee, Office Bearers and an Auditor for the following year. A vacancy occurring in the office of Auditor during the year shall be filled by Committee appointment.
(iii) to decide on any resolution duly submitted in accordance with Rule 6(b),
(b) Any motions or resolutions put forward for consideration at the Annual General Meeting shall be made in writing and signed by five voting members of the Club. Such motion or resolution shall be in the hands of the Secretary not less than Thirty five days before the date of the Annual General Meeting.
(c) At least fourteen days before the Annual General Meeting the notice of such meeting and business to be conducted shall be posted in the clubhouse, and a printed circular shall be sent to every voting member of the Club. No business other than that of which notice has been given shall be brought forward at such meeting except in the case of proposed amendments to any motion or resolution of which notice has been given, which amendments will be considered at the meeting provided that written notice thereof signed by five voting members of the Club is in the hands of the Secretary not less than seven days before the date of the meeting. Any such notice of proposed amendments will be posted in the clubhouse as soon as practicable after receipt thereof.
(d) Extraordinary General Meetings may be called by the Committee either on their own determination, or at the written request to them, signed by at least Twenty Five ordinary or life members which written request will include notice of the motion, resolution or other business which it is proposed to bring forward at such meeting. Notice of such meeting shall be placed on the notice board of the Club, giving the date of the meeting and specifying the motions to be proposed. Such meeting will be called as soon as practicable, but not earlier than fourteen days after the posting of such notice.
Notice of any proposed amendment to any motion or resolution of which notice has been given will be considered at the meeting only if written notice thereof, signed by five voting members of the Club, is in the hands of the Secretary not less than seven days before the date of the meeting. Any such notice of proposed amendment will be posted in the clubhouse as soon as practicable after receipt thereof.
(e) No rule of the Club shall be altered, or new rule introduced, but at an Annual General Meeting or Extra-ordinary General Meeting. Such proposals must be submitted in accordance with (b) or (d) above.
(f) The quorum at all General Meetings shall be as follows:
(i) for proposing any repeal, amendment of, addition to, suspension of the Rules - 50
(ii) for repeal of any Bye-law - 20
(iii) for motions relating to the expulsion of any member - 20, and
(iv) for all other business - 20.
(g) A rule may be suspended without notice at an Annual General Meeting, provided there is a majority of two-thirds of the members present in favour of such suspension.
(h) At all General Meetings of the Club, the Captain shall take the chair. In the absence of the Captain the Vice Captain, Secretary or Treasurer in descending order of preference shall take the chair. Every member with voting rights shall be entitled to one vote (except in the case of the election of new Members of the Committee as provided in Rule 3(e) (ii)). Each issue will be decided by a majority vote of those present and voting. The Chairperson shall not be entitled to vote except where there is an equality of votes when the chairperson shall have the casting vote. No member shall be allowed to vote by proxy.
(i) The financial year of the Club shall end on the Thirtieth day of November each year, to which day the accounts of the Club shall be balanced.
7. Property
(a) Any heritable property belonging to the Club shall be vested in the Captain, Vice Captain, Secretary and Treasurer and their respective successors in Office as Trustees for the Club.
(b) The properties, effects and monies of the Club shall belong to the members during membership equally; But the right and interest of every member shall be personal and limited to that member, and shall not be assignable or arrestable, nor payable to heirs or executors.
(c) All profits or surpluses generated by the Club's activities shall be devoted to maintenence or improvement of the Club's facilities. No profits or surpluses will at any time be distributed to members and if upon the winding up or dissolution of the Club there remains after satisfaction of all the Club's debts an liabilities any property whatsoever the same shall be given or transferred to some other organisation or organisations having objects similar to the objects of the Club, such organisation or organisations to be determined by the members of the Club by resolution passed at a General Meeting at or before the time of the dissolution and insofar as effect cannot be given to such provision then to some charitable object.
Peterculter Golf Club Bye-Laws
1. General
(a) The Rules of Golf as they may from time to time be approved by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews will, except where otherwise specifically provided on terms of these Bye-Laws, be the Rules of the club.
(b) Local Rules will be those set forth on the scoring cards for the Club's Course or as they may be altered by the Committee from time to time and set forth on the Club notice board.
(c) The Committee will have power
(i) to regulate or restrict play on the course, and
(ii) to decide any question or dispute that may arise in connection with all Club competitions.
(d) the handicaps of members shall be fixed by a sub-committee of the Committee whose decision shall be final.
2. Player Identification
(a) A member will display a current identity tag on his or her golf bag at all times whilst on the golf course and will permit inspection of the tag by any other member or employee of the Club.
(b) A guest or visitor must carry the supplied green fee ticket at all times whilst playing on the course. This does not apply to pre-booked visiting parties, who are issued with a single party ticket.
(c) A player not displaying a valid bag tag or a correct green fee ticket may be asked by any Member or employee of the Club to leave the course.
3. Priority on the Course
(a) If a match fails to keep its place on the course and loses more than one hole on the players in front, it must invite the match following to play through. (The correct position for a match is behind the game in front, not just in front of the game behind).
(b) Players should start at the 1st hole under normal circumstances. Player starting at any other hole and having left the 18th green do not have priority at the first tee over players starting their game at the 1st or waiting to go on to the tee or coming to the tee at their booked time.
(c) A lone player has no standing and must give way to a match of any kind.
(d) Players cutting in must ensure that the hole behind is clear.
4. Etiquette on the Course
(a) No one should move, talk or stand close to or directly behind the ball or the hole or cause distraction when a player is addressing the ball or about to play a stroke.
(b) In the interests of all, players should play without delay. (ie move quickly between shots.
(c) No player should play until the players in front are safely out of range.
(d) Players searching for a ball should signal the players behind them to pass through as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not be easily found. They should not recommence play until the players called through have passed and are safely out of range.
(e) When the play of a hole is completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.
(f) Before leaving a bunker, a player will carefully fill up and smooth over all holes and footprints made by him or her. Bunker rakes, where provided, will be used and place outside the bunker after use.
(g) Through the green, a player will ensure that any turf cut or displaced by him/her is replaced at once and pressed down firmly and that any damage done to the putting green by the ball is carefully repaired.
(h) Players should ensure that, when putting down the flagstick, no damage is done to the putting green and that the flagstick is properly replaced in the hole before leaving the green. Players will not damage the hole or the putting green when removing the ball from the hole.
(i) In taking practice swings, players will avoid causing damage to the course, particularly the tees, by removing divots.
(j) Trolleys, golf carts and bags are not allowed on putting greens. Trolleys are not allowed on tees and must follow the paths and direction signs set out for them. Only trolleys with wide wheels are allowed on the course.
5. Dress on the Course
All adult golfers must abide by the dress code as detailed below.
Dress Code on the course:
(a) All players should be dressed suitably for golf, i.e. casual but smart. No football/rugby tops, track suits, sleeveless shirts (men only), collarless t-shirts or blue denim jeans.
(b) Golf shoes must be worn. It is considered acceptable for Juniors to wear trainers.
(d) No torn or studded jeans or torn trousers.
(e) Tailored/dress shorts only may be worn. Sports shorts are not permitted.
Dress Code in the Clubhouse:
(a) The following must not be worn in the Clubhouse: wet clothing, hats/caps, t-shirts, football/rugby tops and any type of golf shoes.
(b) Only tailored shorts are acceptable in the Clubhouse as well as denim jeans providing they are free of any fraying, holes, rips or tears.
(c) Golf shoes are not to be worn in the lounge or locker passage room and suitable footwear must be worn in the Clubhouse at all times.
All members of staff have been instructed by the committee to ensure that this code is adhered to at all times. Any member/guest not adhering to the code will be denied access to the course or refused serving at the bar.
6. Starting Times and Playing Entitlement
(a) Booking Starting Times:
Subject to the availability of the tee, as determined by the Secretary/or Golf Manager, members may book starting times up to 7 days ahead or 10 days ahead for matches.
(b) Cancellation of Booked Times:
Players unable to take up a booked time must cancel their booking as early as possible. Regular offenders failing to cancel will be censured.
(c) Guests:
Ordinary members of the Club may introduce up to three guests at one time. The appropriate green fee must be paid prior to commencing play and the guests' names and home clubs entered in the Visitors' Book by the introducing member.
Members must accompany their guests on the course and are responsible for their actions. A person introduced as a guest may not be introduced again as a guest of that, or any other member during that same calendar month, except by prior arrangement with the Club Secretary.
7. Avoid Slow Play
As a reasonable guide, the playing time on a SSS 69 golf course should be:
for a 2-ball: 2.5 hours
for a 3-ball: 3 hours
for a 4-ball: 3.5 hours
8. Clubhouse
(a) (i) The Club will be open to members daily between such hours as the Committee shall from time to time determine, but the Committee may close it between such hours for such period as it may deem necessary for cleaning or such other reasons as the Committee may consider to be appropriate.
(ii) The hours during which excisable liquor may be served in the Clubhouse shall be fixed by law, but shorter hours may be fixed by the Committee.
(iii) No excisable liquor shall be supplied to any person under the age of 18 years.
(iv) All members will defray whatever expenses they or their guests incur before leaving the Club, the Bar Manager and all employees of the Club having strict orders to refuse credit.
(v) No notice of any kind shall be displayed in the Clubhouse except by authority of the Committee. Members shall not advertise goods or services.
(vi) No member will date or address from the Clubhouse any communication intended to appear in any newspaper, periodical or other publication without prior authorisation of the Committee.
(vii) No member will use the Club address for business purposes.
(viii) The Committee may make regulations laying down conditions upon any game which may be played in the Clubhouse and may prohibit any games the playing of which are unlawful or would in the opinion of the Committee be likely to cause any disturbance or be injurious the the interests of the Club.
(ix) Gaming machines are regulated under Part III of the Gaming Aact. No person under the age of 18 years is allowed to play the gaming machines.
(b) (i) An annual rental fixed by the Committee shall be paid in advance by each member who has been allocated a locker in the Clubhouse.
(ii) Any member not wishing to renew his rental of a locker in the Clubhouse shall notify the Secretary and remove all items from the locker before 28th of February in any year; otherwise he or she shall be held to have renew his or her rental of the locker and will be liable for the rent for the ensuing year.
(iii) Lockers will not be transferable or exchangeable. The Committee shall be responsible for the allocation of lockers on an equitable basis.
(iv) In no circumstances will the Club or any officer or employee of the Club be liable for the loss of or damage to or destruction of any item left in a locker, howsoever arising.
9. Dress in the Clubhouse
Members and Guests must abide by the undernoted dress code:
(a) All members will be suitably dressed, as a minimum casual but smart.
(b) No singlets or sleeveless tops.
(c) No torn or studded jeans or torn trousers.
(d) Golf shoes will not be worn in the lounge or locker room passage. Normal outdoor shoes shall be worn in the lounge.
10. Security
In the interests of safety and security, golf equipment will not be left in the entrance hall. When not in use, golf equipment is to be kept in lockers. Items of clothing or golf equipment must not be left in locker-room overnight.
11. General
(a) (i)The Committee may at any time fix a maximum number of guests to be introduced to the Club by any member at one time.
(ii) It shall be the responsibility of a member introducing a guest to the Clubhouse to ensure that the guest's name and address are recorded in the book provided for that purpose and that the guest is signed in by the member.
(iii) The member introducing a guest to the Club will be responsible to the Club for ensuring the guest's compliance with the Rules and ByeLaws of the Club and for the guest's dress and behaviour. The member will indemnify the Club from and against all expense, losses and claims, of whatever nature, resulting from the behaviour of the guest.
(b) Trophies must not be removed from the Clubhouse.
(c) No member will introduce or permit to be introduced into the Clubhouse or on the Golf Course any animal other than a Guide Dog for the blind.
(d) (i) All members will at all times conduct themselves in a sober and responsible manner.
(ii) No member will at any time conduct himself or herself in a violent, abusive, offensive or dishonest manner towards any office bearer, employee, member, visitor or other person or in such a way as is, in the opinion of the Committee, in breach of the Rules of the Club or injurious to the character or interests of the Club. In the event of any member being in breach of this Bye-Law (THIRD) (d) he or she shall be liable to be disciplined under Rule 4 (j) of the Constitution.
(e) All complaints or statements or evidence with regard to any complaint must be made in writing to the Secretary and signed by the member complaining. The Secretary will submit all such complaints to the Committee, who shall take the matter into its immediate consideration and give such deliverance or order thereon as they may deem necessary. In no instance shall an employee of the Club be reprimanded directly by a member.