BYLAWS

The Emerald Golf League Rules of Organization and Play

Purpose and Organization

The Emerald Golf League (the “League”) is an association of country clubs located in Palm Beach County Florida, which have joined together to promote a mutual interest in competitive golf among the individual member organizations and to further socialization among the various club members.

The policies and affairs of the League shall be determined and administered by the Board of Governors (the Board). Each member club (the “Member or Member Club”) shall appoint one person (the “Governor”) to be its representative on the Board. The Member represents that the Governor so appointed (and the person becoming a member of the Board) represents that he is neither a professional golfer nor an employee of any Member Club. Each Governor shall appoint one or two captains and shall report such appointment (along with appropriate contact information) to the Secretary of the League.

In order to defray the expenses incurred by the League for operation, each Member Club shall pay to the League annually an amount determined by the Board of Governors. However, no person who is associated with the League shall receive any form of remuneration from the League for services performed for or on behalf of the League.

Each Member Club (individually referred to herein when the context so implies) Shall from time to time be referred to as the “Host Club”.

Member Clubs

As of the date hereof, the Member Clubs of The Emerald League are:

Addison Reserve CC
Boca West CC
Bocaire CC
Broken Sound CC
Delaire CC
Hunters Run CC
Mizner CC
Royal Palm Yacht CC
St Andrews CC
Stonebridge CC
Woodfield CC
The Polo Club

2. Admission, Suspension and Termination of Members

The Board may, from time to time, admit new members to the League. New members shall participate in the League on the first day of the next ensuing Season unless otherwise approved by the Board.

Any resignation by a Member Club of the League shall not be effective or deemed to be effective until the last day of the current season of the League. Until such time as the resignation is effective, the resigning Member shall remain responsible for its pro rata share of all the league costs and expenses but shall not be entitled to receive any part of any surplus cash or other assets held by the league at the end of the Season.

The Board may terminate the membership of any Member Club in the event of (i) the non-payment of dues; or (ii) lack of adequate participation by the Member in League activities; or (iii) the failure, in the opinion of the Board, of a Member to comply with League rules. Such termination shall be effective on the date specified by the Board in its resolution mandating termination.

The termination or suspension of any Member Club shall require the affirmative vote of sixty-five (65%) percent of the then entire membership of the Board. A mandated or voluntary termination or suspension shall be effective ab initio to the first day of the current Season unless the resolution mandating such action requires action to the contrary. If the membership of a Club is terminated or suspended during the season it shall be deemed to have forfeited each and every match from the start to the end of the Season. Upon termination a Member or Member Club shall not be entitled to the return of any dues or payments made to the League prior to termination.

If a Member Club ceases to participate in League matches prior to the end of the Season, the remaining Clubs shall finish the Season by playing a schedule determined by unanimous vote of the League Officers. If the League Officers (Executive Committee) shall fail to reach a unanimous decision, the Season shall be declared over.

Upon the final termination of the activities of the League, all funds then remaining in the possession of the League shall be disbursed pro rata to each Club then a Member of the League.

3. Qualification for Membership

A. In order to become a Member Club of the League, a Club must be a residential country Club (unless an exception is granted by the vote of sixty-file (65%) percent of the members of the Board then in office) wherein the members of the Club have an equity interest in the club and Club members must reside on the Club property. In addition, the Club must have at least one 18 hole golf course on its premises which meets the approval of sixty-five (65%) percent of the Board as to design, physical condition and playability, both on the date of admission to the League and on a continuing basis during the term of its membership.

B. On the first day of February of each calendar year, a Member Club shall have paid to the League a fee in an amount determined by the Board of Governors and in its sole discretion. Failure to pay such fee shall be grounds for the suspension or termination of a Member Club.

C. Except as otherwise provided herein, a club member must, (under the rules of such Member’s Club), be a full dues paying member, of the member club for which he is playing. A full dues paying member, is defined as a resident or non-resident member, with equity or non-equity status, paying the full dues of an equity membership. Included are the spouses of the qualifying member or the significant other who resides with the qualifying member. All participants in the Emerald League must be 40 years or older by February 1st of the year to qualify to play. The Board shall determine by a majority vote of the Governors then in office, and notify all Members Clubs on any potential participant that doesn’t meet the qualifications above. Any participant that plays in a match that fails to meet these requirements, will have their team nullified for that day.

D. Any Club desiring to have non-equity and/or non-resident players on its team during the Season shall notify the Secretary in writing prior to the first match of the season of the name and address and all non-equity and non-resident players it wishes to be eligible to play on the Club’s team. The individual players named on such list shall be subject to the approval of sixty-five (65%) percent of the members of the then entire Board. Once such list is submitted to the Secretary, no names may be added to the list. A person who becomes a resident of a Member Club shall immediately be entitled to play on the Club Team.

E. Prior to the first day of February of each calendar year, a Member Club shall pay to the League an annual membership fee in an amount determined by the unanimous vote of the Board.

4. Board of Governors

The League shall be governed by a Board of Governors. Each Member Club shall have the right to appoint one Governor to the Board, and the right to remove and replace such member at any time and from time to time. When a member club changes its representatives to the Board, it shall notify all members of the Board as to the name and contact information of the replacement Governor. The person who is appointed to be the Club’s Governor must be a member in good standing of the Member Club.

II. ORGANIZATION OF LEAGUE PLAY

League Hosting and Opening and Closing Dates (the “Season”)

The League Officers, no later than October 30th of the prior calendar year, shall meet and determine the opening and closing dates for play (excluding playoff dates) for the forthcoming Season. It is intended that annual play begin early April and is completed by the third week in June. The exact number of dates and the effect of cancellations due to rain or any other cause shall be determined in a timely manner, by the League Officers. The nature and date(s) of any special events shall be determined by the Board. At an appropriate time, the Board shall determine the dates, times and location(s) of League playoffs used to determine the championship.
The Host Club shall, at a minimum, provide a continental breakfast, a buffet lunch, golf carts, and shall waive greens fees and all other incidental and related charges for all players. Each Member Club shall then remit to the Club the amount agreed upon by the League and the Member Clubs as the payment to the League to the Member Club for providing such services.

Organization of Playing Teams

Each Member Club shall field a team of eight (8) Qualified Players (as hereinafter defined) for matches to be played during the Season and prior to June 1 of each calendar year. Thereafter, a team shall consist of six (6) players for matches held on or after June 1. Teams engaged in the league playoffs shall consist of six (6) Qualified Players. Not more than two (2) players on a team may be a non-resident member of the Club. Provided, however, such non-residents must hold a status as a Member of the Club for which they are playing and cannot be a member of any other Club which is a Member of the League.

Emerald League Handicap Standards

All Tournament play will be in accordance with the USGA HANDICAP SCORING SYSTEM. All handicaps shall be based on each player’s handicap index. This handicap index is the USGA index established from each player’s home Club course(s). The handicap of each player for the match will be determined from the player’s index by the professional golf staff of the Host Club. Such index numbers shall be based upon not less than 10 scores recorded within the six(6) months immediately preceding the opening date of play, as certified by the home golf professional or director of golf of the player’s home club. Such information shall be updated in accordance with USGA recommendations.

Procedures for Establishing Match Handicaps

Each Member Club will send a player roster to the Emerald League Officers at the beginning of each Season. It shall not be later than the Monday before the first tournament of the year. This roster may be added to at any time during the year and the League Officers must be notified no later than the Monday before the added player participates in a league match.
Not later than sixty (60) hours prior to matches, a computer generated player roster must be send to the Host Club Pro Shop and/or Host Club Governor by e-mail or by fax. This list must have the participating players identified, their team designation (1,2,3 or 4) and their current updated USGA handicap index listed. Each player will play to a handicap equal to eighty (80%) percent of the reported handicap submitted for the match; provided such handicap is not greater than 11. Such playing handicap shall not exceed a handicap of eleven (11). Lineup changes may be made in any lineup and handicaps will be based on the previously submitted list of players and indices.
The Player with the lowest handicap shall be on team #1, and the player with the 2nd lowest handicap shall be on team #2. The course adjusted handicap spread between the two players on each of these teams cannot be greater than 8. If greater, the second player will be adjusted down to conform to an 8 stroke differential maximum. Teams #3 and #4 do not have this restriction as to the handicap differential.
In the event that any handicaps are deemed by the League Officers to be significantly incorrect either due to gross negligence or willful misconduct, the League Officers may order a forfeit by the team with the player having the incorrect handicap.
Any inquiries regarding handicap issues must be made to the League Officers.

III. RULES FOR LEAGUE PLAY

IN GENERAL

At least 60 hours prior to a match, the governor (or his designee) from each Club shall submit a roster containing the names constituting the 3 or 4, two (2)-man teams schedule to play in the forthcoming match and their respective USGA indexes. Such roster shall be submitted by e-mail or fax transmission to the Director of Golf, Host Club Golf Professional or Host Club Governor.

The Host Club shall be responsible to check that the names of the team members and their respective handicaps match the information contained on the scorecards.

After the first 6 weeks, the number of 2-man teams shall be reduced to 3. However, up to four Members shall have the right to submit one additional 2-man team. However, all results of such teams shall not be included in the results of the day’s matches.

The course to be used for match play must measure between 6200 and 6400 yards from the markers to be used. However, the host club Governor shall have discretion as to length, fairness, and playability of the course. In general, Par 4’s should have a maximum length of approximately 400 yards.
Prior to the commencement of a match, the Team Captain (or his designee) shall deliver to the Host Club Governor or the Head Golf Professional of the Host Club, or the Governor or Captain of the host team, the team payment due to the host club for the match to be held on the day.
The following matters should be considered for a match:

Use appropriate par 3’s based on their difficulty for the “closest to the pin competitions”. Golf Course setup should be challenging but fair. Keep in mind it is very hot with unstable weather during our League Season and our objectives are to play at a nice pace and to have a good time.
All players will play from the same set of tees. No split tees based on individual handicap indexes.
Pin placement sheets are an added bonus but a color coded pins for locations will suffice.
Program and/or rule sheets with any local information area required.
Place directional signs from any greens to the next tee that might be difficult to find. Don’t let players get lost on your course.
If play is suspended or when the shotgun is finished, a map back to the Club should/could be provided.
Use of cell phones on the golf course is not permitted except in an emergency or to obtain tournament or course rulings.
Lift clean and place conditions will be determined by the Member Club, Governor and Captains on the premise.

Summary scoreboards for public posting of Results shall be posted at the conclusion of the match in a place designated by the Host Club for the gathering of the players. Final results and any tournament prizes to be given out will be paid for by the Host Club and/or handled by the League. All money winning tournament scores will be transmitted to the League Governors.

RULES FOR MATCH PLAY

Match play shall be governed by the rules of the USGA but shall be superseded by Host Club rules of play.
The Board of Governors, at least six (6) weeks prior to the commencement of the season shall, by a vote of sixty-five (65%) percent of the Governors then in office, determine the format for play for the coming season(s), only if different then Addendum A Tournament Scoring later attached herein. Then the format so determined shall be communicated in writing to all the Governors and Captains of the Member teams not less than twenty (20) days prior to the commencement of the season.
Players shall be permitted to use GPS systems; provided that when practical, such GPS shall be shared with other players in the foursome who do not have a GPS.
Smoking shall not be permitted on the golf course unless all players in the foursome agree to permit smoking.
Use of cell phones on the golf course is not permitted except in an emergency or to obtain tournament or course rulings.

Championship Play

Each week during the Season matches will be played between the Members Clubs. An effort will be made for each Club to play every other Club the same number of times. At the end of the Season, the four Clubs with the most points will engage in a playoff series. The dates and format of the playoff series will be determined by the Board. As the playoffs are after June 1st, the clubs will have three (3) two man teams. The best two team net scores will be compared to their opponents best two team scores to determine the winner. In the event of a tie, each team shall select any two players for a sudden death resolution.

Rainouts

In the event of a “rainout” (as hereinafter described) the cost of play and team playing results shall be determined as follows:

If a rainout occurs before going out on the course but after participants have arrived at the club and received breakfast, the maximum payout to the Host Club shall be $20 per player.
If a rainout occurs after golfers are on the course, the full amount payable to the Host Club shall be remitted to the Host Club, the players will receive a cash refund of $15.00 from the money pool.
As used herein, a “rainout” (as opposed to a suspension of play) shall mean a termination of all matches. A rainout can be called by the majority of the Governors present at the match or Host Club for whatever reason or cause such body deems appropriate.

The provisions of Section D above are guidelines and are subject to change by the Board of Governors to react to any given situation.

IV. LEAGUE MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE

Meetings

Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the Board shall be held in the month of January on a date selected by the President and communicated to the Board members by e-mail or facsimile transmission at least fourteen (14) days prior to the date selected. The agenda for such meeting shall be:

Election of officers to hold office until the next annual meeting of the Board of Governors and until their respective successors are elected.
The payment of annual dues.
The format changes for play during the forthcoming season if any.
The transaction of such other business as shall properly come before the Board.

Special Meetings

Special meetings of the Board may be called by the League officers or by any three (3) members of the Board not currently on the Board. A notice of such meeting shall be communicated to all Board members by the Secretary (or the person(s) calling such meeting) at least seven (7) days prior to the date set for such meeting.

Powers of the Board

The Board of Governors shall have the power to create new rules, repeal or amend existing rules, enforce all rules and take whatever actions it deems necessary to maintain the integrity of the league and the sport including disciplinary action against Members and team players for violations of League rules.
The Board shall have the right to assess Members for operating expenses and to collect such assessments. Any such action proposed to be taken by the Board shall require the approval of sixty-five (65%) percent of the then entire Board.

Voting

Each member of the Board shall be entitled to cast one vote on any matter submitted to the Board of Governors for a vote. A Board member may appoint the Member’s team Captain as his proxy for the purpose of attending any meeting of the Board and casting the vote of the Member being represented.

Except as otherwise specifically provided in these rules, the vote of a majority of the Governors then in office and present at a properly noticed meeting of the Board at which a quorum shall be present shall constitute the action of the Board.

Quorum
A majority of the Governors of the Board then in office shall constitute a quorum of the Board at a meeting of the Board. A quorum at a meeting once obtained cannot be broken by the withdrawal of a Board member or a recess of the meeting.
Officers

The Officers of the League shall be a President, a Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary (Executive Committee) who will be elected by a majority of the Board of Governors.

The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the League and shall preside over all meetings of the Board and meeting of the Executive Committee.
The Vice President shall assist the Presidents in all League matters. In the absence or inability of the President to act, the Vice President shall be the acting President of the League.
The Treasurer shall be responsible for collecting and disbursing funds on behalf of the League, maintain the League bank accounts and, from time to time, reporting to the Board on the financial condition of the League. The Treasurer shall be a signatory of all bank accounts and may name one other person, who is approved by the Board, as a signatory of such accounts.
The Secretary along with the other Officers shall be responsible for maintaining a directory of the names, contact numbers and email addresses of all officers and directors of the League and League Captains as well as the individual Golf Club Director or Head Pro. The Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining a minute book in which shall be kept the rules of the League, playing rosters, minutes of meetings of Board and communications between the Officers of the League and League Board members and Team Captains. The Secretary shall also be responsible for sending copies of all resolutions adopted by the Board of all Governors to all Governors and Captains

The election of League officers shall be held at the Annual Meeting of the Board during the month of January in each calendar year, or at the season’s first event. An officer shall serve until the succeeding December 31st, or until a successor is elected.
No officers or directors of the League shall have any personal liability to any Member based upon such person being an officer or director of the League.

Executive Committee/League Officers

There Shall be an Executive Committee comprised of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Executive Committee shall meet at the request of any member of the committee and shall have the power to act in the place and instead of the Board. Decisions of the Executive Committee shall be reported in writing to the members of the Board as soon as possible after the decision is take. Decisions of the Executive Committee may be modified or overturned by a sixty-five (65%) percent vote of the entire Board.

Hospitality and Preparation for Matches

The Host Club shall, at a minimum, provide a continental breakfast, a buffet lunch, golf carts, and shall waive greens fees and all other incidental and related charges for all players. The League shall then remit the amount set by the League and to the Host club in full payment for expenses.
Club Maintenance and Food and Beverage departments should be made aware of the event. The Governor or Captain should meet with the General Manager to plan the menu for breakfast, lunch and on the course beverages/snacks. The Golf Professional should meet with the Superintendent and Captain to properly prepare the course.

V. Amendment of these Rules

These Rules may be amended, revoked or changed by the affirmative vote of seventy (70%) percent of the entire Board cast either at a duly noticed meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present, or by the written unanimous consent of all members of the Board then in office.

The foregoing Rule was adopted by the Board of Governors this ____ day of __________ 2019.

____________________________________ ___________________________________

President Secretary

ADDENDUM A. - TOURNAMENT SCORING

For all games, a player shall record a score of not more than 2 over par net of the handicap shot applicable to such hole. E.g. On a par 4 hole, a player receives one handicap shot. The maximum score on that hole is a 7. On a par 3 with a one stroke handicap, the maximum score on that hole is 6. Player handicaps do not change during the match.

MEDAL NASSAU:

This is a “net best ball” stroke play match against the team they are paired with. In such match, the best net score of each two-some determines the score for the team. One League point will be awarded to the winner of the front nine. One League point will be awarded of the second nine, and one League point will be awarded to the overall winner. If there is a tie, each participant will be awarded one-half League point. The maximum number of points which can be won in the format by a 2-man team is three. Each Member Club shall submit the scores of its two top scoring teams. The maximum number of points that can be won in this format by a Club’s team is 6.

LEAGUE POINTS FOR BEST BALL AGAINST THE FIELD:

Each two-man team is playing a best ball game against the field. The 2 lowest net scores added together posted by 2-man teams from each Member Club count toward League standings as follows:

The team with the lowest net score …………………………………………… 12 points;
The team with the second lowest net score ………………………………. 10 points;
The team with the third lowest net score ………………………………….. 9 points;
The team with the forth lowest net score ………………………………….. 8 points;
The team with the fifth lowest net score ……………………………………. 7 points;
The team with the sixth lowest net score …………………………………… 6 points;
The team with the seventh lowest net score ……………………………… 5 points;
The team with the eighth lowest net score ………………………………… 4 points;
The team with the ninth lowest net score …………………………………. 3 points;
The team with the tenth lowest net score …………………………………. 2 points;
The team with the eleventh lowest net score ……………………………… 1 point;
The team with the twelve lowest net score …………………………………. 0 point(s).

SCORING INCOMPLETE ROUNDS

If a match is cancelled due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstance, points will only be awarded if all teams complete at least thirteen (13) holes. The fewest number of holes completed by any one group will be the total number of holes used in every group, even if a team completed more than thirteen (13) holes. For example, 2 groups finish sixteen holes, seven groups finish fifteen holes, and one group finishes only fourteen holes. In this case everyone’s score will be based on only the first fourteen holes played by each foursome. Whoever is ahead in the two-man team match at that point (after the first 14 holes played only) will be awarded 2 points. Ties will award 1 point each. Points from the two best teams in the medal play will be added together for a maximum of four points for the day. We will also rank all teams based on how many strokes they are under par up until that point (first fourteen holes in this example). Then, we will return to our standard format, adding up how many under par the two best teams are from each club, and then ranking them against the field for points of 12, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0. The $15 for the money pool will be returned to each player.

BEST BALL AGAINST THE FIELD FOR PRIZES:

The team payment to the Host Club will include $15 per player, which will make up the weekly prize pool. The designated league score keeper will distribute winnings to team Governors or Captains one week following each match, or, if time permits, at the end of play on a given day.

First 6 Weeks (80 players) pay five (5) places: $400, $300, 20% $250, 10% $100.

Remaining Weeks (72 players) three (5) places: $400, $300, $200, $100, $80

In the event of ties for positions, money will be shared equally by those who are tied.

Revised 5/26/2025 with 2022 rule changes.

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