2026 Season Details
Season Overview
The 2026 season kicks off in November 2025 with some enjoyable team events. Individual points are accumulated in every tournament until the last event in September. The season concludes in October with a two-round "Club Championship" weekend tournament. MMGC also participates in the NCGA “Team Match” League, competing against other clubs in the valley throughout the season.
Season Points, Fees and Payouts
All players will compete in a single flight with low net and low gross payouts. Each event will carry an entry fee of $30 per participant (NCGA Qualifier fees may vary). Green fees and Cart fees are not included. Each event will have optional cash buy-ins for a Skins Game ($10), and Closest to Pin contests for all par 3 and par 5 holes ($10).
Entry Fee Allocation:
50% of the total pot from each event will be retained by the club for fees and end-of-season payouts.
50% of the total pot will be distributed as follows per event:
Individual Events
Placement | Points | Payout
1st (Low Net) | 100 | 40%
Low Gross | - | 30%
2nd | 80 | 20%
3rd | 70 | 10%
4th | 60 | 0%
5th | 50 | 0%
6th + | 20 | 0%
Team Events
Placement | Points | Payout
1st | 100 | 20%
2nd | 80 | 20%
3rd | 70 | 10%
Low Net | - | 40%
Low Gross | - | 30%
4th | 60 | 0%
5th | 50 | 0%
6th + | 20 | 0%
Dual Prize Restriction:
If a player qualifies for both Low Net and Low Gross, they will be awarded Low Gross. The Low Net prize will be awarded to the next eligible player based on net score.
Tee Box Options:
The white tee box is the default tee box. Women may elect to play from the red or gold tees. Senior members (55+) may elect to play from the gold tees. Players from all tee boxes are eligible for the skins games and closest to the pin competitions. The Tournament Chair reserves the right to move members to specific tee boxes to ensure fair play.
“Player of the Year”
At the end of the regular season, bonuses are awarded to the three players who have accumulated the most points. The player with the highest points total is recognized as the “Player of the Year.” (Payout amounts subject to change based on active member enrollment)
Placement | Payout
1st | $250
2nd | $150
3rd | $100
Club Championship
The Club Championship tournament is held in October and will mark the end of the season. All members are welcome to participate, but only those who have played in at least three events earlier in the season are eligible to win. The Championship will be 2 rounds of stroke play, with multiple flights. The number of flights will be based on participation. The Tournament Chair will decide how the flights are divided, as well as set handicap percentages and caps if necessary.
Tournament Flight Categories: (Flights subject to change based on field size)
Flight | Handicap | Tees
A | GROSS | Blue
B | 0-12 | White
C | 13+ & Seniors | Gold
The winner of the Championship Flight will be our MMGC “Club Champion”
Any member may elect to play in the A Flight. Senior members may elect to compete in the A or B Flights based on their handicap.
Championship Fees and Payouts
The entry fee is $30 per participant and covers both rounds.
Payouts: (Flights and payment percentages may change based on field size)
Category
A Flight Winner 33%
B Flight Winner 33%
C Flight Winner 33%
Tournament Rules
All MMGC tournaments are governed by USGA Rules. Unless abnormal course conditions are determined to be in effect by the Tournament Chair, the ball must be played as it lies (USGA Rule 13).
Madera Municipal Course Relief:
MMGC Tournaments will grant relief without penalty for the following conditions:
1. Tree Roots:
Any exposed tree roots where a tree root interferes with the lie of the player’s ball or the area of the player’s intended swing. Relief under this Rule is not given for interference to the player’s stance.
2. Hole #2 (Stacked brush):
The stacked brush along the left side of hole 2 is considered an abnormal course condition and players are granted free relief under (Rule 16.1). That is, if it is agreed upon that a player’s ball came to rest in the brush, that player may take free relief by dropping the original ball or another ball in the relief area.
Note: You do not need to find the ball. In this case, estimate where your ball last crossed into the brush and take relief from that point.
Taking Relief:
A ball may be lifted and dropped within one club-length of, and not nearer to the hole than, the nearest point of relief. If the dropped ball comes to rest in a position where there is interference from the condition or the ball comes to rest more than two club-lengths from where it first struck the ground, the ball must be re-dropped in accordance with Rule 20-2.c(v) and (vi) respectively, and the general provisions of Rule 20-2.c.
Lost Ball or O.B. (Out of Bounds):
To promote fairness and improve pace of play, MMGC has adopted USGA Local Rule E‑5 for all tournament rounds. This Local Rule provides an alternative to stroke‑and‑distance when a ball is lost outside a penalty area or Out of Bounds (O.B.).
Local Rule E‑5 may be used when:
A ball is lost outside a penalty area, or
A ball is Out of Bounds
This Local Rule cannot be used for a ball lost in a penalty area.
Player Options Under This Rule
Option 1 — Standard Rule (Always Available)
Proceed under stroke‑and‑distance:
Return to the previous spot
Replay the stroke
Add one penalty stroke
Option 2 — Local Rule E‑5 (MMGC Tournament Option)
Instead of returning to the previous spot, the player may:
Take a two‑stroke penalty, and
Drop a ball in the E‑5 relief area, which is defined by:
The estimated spot where the original ball is likely to be lost, or
The point where the ball last crossed the O.B. boundary, and
The nearest fairway edge (fairway drop option included)
This option allows the player to keep distance and continue play without returning to the tee or previous location.
Key Notes for Players
A provisional ball may still be played. If the provisional is found in bounds, it must be used.
Once a player drops and plays under E‑5, they cannot switch to stroke‑and‑distance.
Relief under E‑5 must be taken promptly and in accordance with the defined relief area.
The two‑stroke penalty applies whether the ball was lost or O.B.
Tie Breakers:
For Multi-Round Events: The tie is decided by the final round score and then by the following method:
For single-round events, or if players have the same final round score: The tie is decided based upon the score for the last nine holes, then by the last six holes, then the last three holes, and then by the 18th hole. If there is still a tie, then the last six holes, three holes and final hole of the first nine holes will be used.
MMGC Club Championship Tie breaker:
For Multi-Round Events: The tie is decided by the final round score and then by the following method:
For single-round events, or if players have the same final round winning score:
The tie is decided by a single hole playoff on the 1st hole.
If still tied after the first hole, a second playoff hole will be played on the 18th hole.
If still tied after the 18th hole, (or if a playoff is not possible), ties will be determined by the NCGA method stated above.
Tournament Rules
MMGC Member Bylaws
Bylaws of Madera Municipal Golf Club
An NCGA-Affiliated Golf Club | Amended Date: [January 27th, 2026]
Article I: Name and Affiliation
The organization is officially known as the “Madera Municipal Golf Club (MMGC)” and maintains its affiliation with the Northern California Golf Association (NCGA), upholding all associated policies and regulations.
Article II: Purpose
The Club is dedicated exclusively to charitable and recreational aims, which include:
Promoting amateur golf in the community
Hosting golf competitions
Encouraging community involvement through golf activities
Maintaining NCGA affiliation to provide member benefits, including handicapping services
Article III: Membership
Membership is available to anyone aged 18 or older who is interested in golf and committed to the Club’s values and rules. Membership requires an active NCGA registration through the Club.
The Executive Committee determines joining fees and annual dues.
Dues are payable in advance, and previous members must renew by the date set by the Committee or forfeit their membership.
Dues may be prorated for members joining partway through the year
Article IV: Executive Committee
The Club is managed by an Executive Committee, which consists of:
President:
Chief executive of the club, overseeing all club operations and finances.
Provide leadership and set the direction for the club.
Chair board and general meetings.
Serve as the primary liaison with the NCGA.
Ensure compliance with all NCGA and USGA policies.
Manage club finances, including budgeting and financial planning.
Collect dues and pay expenses.
Maintain financial records and produce reports.
Ensure transparency and accountability of funds.
Vice President:
Supports the President by assuming leadership responsibilities in their absence, manages administrative and communication functions, supervises special projects, handles official correspondence, maintains comprehensive club records, and distributes notices to members.
Tournament Chair:
Manages and all club tournaments and events, enforces golf rules, coordinates event formats, scoring, and results, ensuring fair play and compliance with regulations. Collects and distributes all tournament cash games such as skins and closest to pin contests.
Handicap Chair:
Oversees member handicaps and posts all members tournament scores. Monitors handicap accuracy, educates members on posting procedures, resolves scoring issues, and stays updated on USGA rule changes.
Executive Committee’s annual Club and NCGA membership fees are covered by the Club.
Article V: Meetings, Elections, and Voting
Committee meetings occur monthly; general meetings are held quarterly, and special meetings may be called as needed by the President or by a majority of the Committee.
Executive Committee members are elected annually by the membership. Elections are held during the fourth quarter general meeting. Terms run from January 1 to December 31.
Each member is entitled to one vote, either in person, by email, or online.
Decisions are made by a simple majority, with a quorum set at 20% of active members.
Article VI: Code of Conduct
The Club aims to provide a respectful, fair, and enjoyable environment for all members, guests, and partners. Members are expected to embody sportsmanship, respect, and integrity both on and off the course. Misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
Verbal or physical abuse toward members or staff
Cheating or dishonesty in tournaments or matches
Disruption of Club activities or governance
Any conduct, on or off Club property, that negatively impacts the member experience or harms the reputation and standing of the Club.
Article VII: Impeachment and Removal of Members
Members are subject to disciplinary action, including impeachment, suspension, or expulsion, for confirmed misconduct or repeat violations of the Code of Conduct.
Complaints must be formally submitted and reviewed by the Committee.
The member will be notified and given a hearing before the Committee.
Disciplinary action requires a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
Removed members may appeal once in writing; appeals are decided by membership vote with a quorum and majority approval. Appeal decisions are final.
Impeachment of Executive Committee members requires a membership vote with a quorum and majority approval. Impeachment decisions are final.
All proceedings are confidential and impartial. Members who file complaints in good faith are protected from retaliation.
Article VIII: Finances
All Club funds are dedicated to Club activities and objectives. Financial reports are presented to members at regular meetings.
Article IX: Nonprofit Status
The Club operates as a nonprofit recreational organization under California law. Earnings do not benefit individuals. Upon dissolution, assets are transferred to the NCGA or another qualifying NCGA-affiliated nonprofit golf club as per Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Article X: Amendments
These Bylaws may be changed by a majority vote of active members at a regular meeting, provided proposed changes are circulated in writing at least 14 days prior.