MMGC Season Overview
The MMGC season runs November through October, beginning with two fun, team-oriented kickoff events in November and December.
Starting in January, all tournaments feature individual postable scores, even when the format is a team event.
Players earn season-long points at every tournament, culminating with the final regular-season event in September. The top three point earners receive end-of-season payouts. The season wraps up in October with the two-round Club Championship Weekend, open to all members.
Additional MMGC Programs (separate from season points)
- NCGA Team Match League — MMGC fields a team each year to compete against other valley clubs throughout the season.
- Weekly Weekend Skins Games — Casual, drop-in skins games held on weekends for members who want extra rounds and friendly competition.
- Summer Tuesday Twilight Skins — A relaxed 9-hole twilight skins game every Tuesday evening during the summer months.
2026 Season Calendar
| Date | Tournament / Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sat Nov 22 | 6-6-6 — 4 Man Blind Draw | 9 am |
| Sat Dec 13 | Christmas 2-Man Scramble | 9 am |
| Mon Jan 5 | Q1 Members Meeting @ SPS Banquet Room | 6 pm |
| Sat Jan 17 | 2-Man Four-Ball | 9 am |
| Sat Feb 7 | Individual Low Net — February | 9 am |
| Sat Mar 14 | Individual Low Net — March | 9 am |
| Mon Apr 6 | Q2 Members Meeting @ SPS Banquet Room | 6 pm |
| Sun Apr 12 | Masters Sunday Pro Blind Draw | 9 am |
| Sat May 9 | Individual Low Net — May | 8 am |
| Sat Jun 27 | NCGA Senior Four-Ball Qualifier | 8 am |
| Mon Jul 13 | Q3 Members Meeting @ SPS Banquet Room | 6 pm |
| Sat Jul 18 | NCGA Open Four-Ball Qualifier | 8 am |
| Sat Aug 15 | NCGA 4-Man Zone Qualifier | 8 am |
| Sat Sep 12 | The Decider | 8 am |
| Mon Oct 5 | Q4 Members Meeting — Board Nominations & Voting @ SPS Banquet Room | 6 pm |
| Club Championship Weekend! | ||
| Sat Oct 10 | Club Championship Weekend — Round 1 | 8 am |
| Sun Oct 11 | Club Championship — Round 2 | 8 am |
Members must participate in at least 2 events to qualify for the NCGA qualifier tournaments.
Members must participate in at least 3 events to qualify for the Club Championship.
See the Tournaments page for individual tournament details and registration.
Points Distribution
All players compete in a single flight for points, with Low Net and Low Gross payouts. Players are awarded points based on their Low Net finishing position in each event. Points accumulate from November through September; the player with the most points at the end of the regular season is recognized as the Player of the Year.
Points awarded per tournament
| Place | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 100 |
| 2nd | 80 |
| 3rd | 70 |
| 4th | 60 |
| 5th | 50 |
| 6th and below | 20 |
Player of the Year bonus
At the end of the regular season, end-of-season bonuses are awarded to the top three point earners. The player with the highest total is recognized as Player of the Year. Payout amounts are subject to change based on active member enrollment.
| Placement | Payout |
|---|---|
| 1st — Player of the Year | $250 |
| 2nd | $150 |
| 3rd | $100 |
Payment Distribution
50% of each event's entry-fee pot is retained by the Club for operating costs and the end-of-season Player of the Year payouts. The remaining 50% is paid out per event as follows. (Low Gross payouts scale with field turnout.)
Individual events
| Placement | Points | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| 1st (Low Net) | 100 | 40% |
| Low Gross | — | 30% |
| 2nd | 80 | 20% |
| 3rd | 70 | 10% |
| 4th | 60 | — |
| 5th | 50 | — |
| 6th and below | 20 | — |
Team events
| Placement | Points | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 100 | 35% |
| 2nd | 80 | 20% |
| 3rd | 70 | 15% |
| Low Gross | — | 15% |
| Low Net | — | 15% |
| 4th | 60 | — |
| 5th | 50 | — |
| 6th and below | 20 | — |
Dual prize restriction (team events only)
In team events, if an individual qualifies for both Low Net and Low Gross, they are awarded Low Gross. The Low Net prize is then awarded to the next eligible individual based on net score.
This restriction does not apply to individual events — a player who posts both the Low Net (1st place) and Low Gross score in the same individual event wins both prizes.
League Rules
All MMGC tournaments are played under the USGA Rules of Golf as published by the United States Golf Association, with local rules as posted at the course on tournament day. The following clarifications apply to all club tournaments unless otherwise noted on the event page:
- Play the ball as it lies. No preferred lies unless explicitly posted for the day.
-
Out of bounds / lost ball. MMGC uses USGA Model Local Rule E‑5 for any ball that is lost or out of bounds. (This does not apply to water or penalty areas.)
If you did not hit a playable provisional ball, you may take relief near where the ball was lost or went OB for a two‑stroke penalty, instead of walking back to replay the shot. This relief area is based on:
- The estimated spot where the ball was lost or last crossed OB, and
- The nearest fairway edge, no closer to the hole
This option is for pace of play and applies to all MMGC events.
- Scorecards. Each player keeps their own card. Both player and marker must verify and sign before submission.
- Ties. Resolved by lowest back-nine net (or last-six / last-three) unless a different tiebreaker is posted on the tournament page.
For format-specific rules (best ball, scramble, stableford), see the individual tournament page when registration opens.
Tee box options
The white tee box is the default tee box for all MMGC tournaments.
- 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 Game and Closest-to-the-Pin competitions.
- The Tournament Chair reserves the right to move members to specific tee boxes to ensure fair play.
Entry fees & optional buy-ins
Each tournament has a standard entry fee of $30 per participant (NCGA Qualifier fees may vary). Green fees and cart fees are not included — pay those separately at the pro shop.
Each event has two optional cash buy-ins:
- Skins Game — $10 per player, separate pot.
- Closest-to-the-Pin — $10 per player, all par 3 and par 5 holes, separate pot.
See Payment Distribution for how each event's entry-fee pot is allocated.
NCGA & GHIN Handicap Guidance
MMGC is an NCGA golf club, which means every member in good standing receives an official USGA Handicap Index through the Northern California Golf Association. Your annual membership dues cover your NCGA registration.
Post all non-tournament scores
Members are responsible for posting all casual and non-tournament rounds directly to their GHIN record. Tournament scores are posted by the Handicap Chair — you do not need to post a second time. If a tournament score is missing from your record within 48 hours, contact the Handicap Chair through the contact form.
How to post a score
Scores must be posted on the same day you play, before midnight local time. The fastest way is the free GHIN mobile app (iOS / Android). You can also post through the NCGA website at ncga.org.
What counts
- Every round of 9 or more holes played under the Rules of Golf, on a rated course.
- Casual rounds and tournament rounds. Both count toward your index.
- If you don't finish a hole, use your most likely score (USGA rule) — typically your strokes taken plus the number you'd reasonably need to finish.
Pace of Play
We expect every group at Madera Municipal to play in 4 hours and 15 minutes or less. A round that takes longer than 4:30 is too slow. Slow play is the single biggest complaint at every golf club, and at MMGC it's something everyone is responsible for.
Practical guidelines
- Keep up with the group in front of you, not ahead of the group behind you. Your position is determined by the group ahead.
- Be ready when it's your turn. Plan your shot, pick your club, check your yardage, and read your putt while others are playing — not when it's your turn.
- Ready golf is encouraged in stroke play. Whoever is ready plays first, as long as it's safe.
- Limit lost-ball searches to 3 minutes. Per USGA Rule 18.2.
- Wave through faster groups if you can't keep up. There is no shame in this — it's good golf etiquette.
Tournament enforcement
The Tournament Chair may place a group on the clock if they fall behind. After a warning, the Rules of Golf provide for one-stroke penalties under Rule 5.6 for bad-time violations. We rarely have to enforce this, and we'd like to keep it that way.
Club Championship
The Club Championship is held in October and marks the end of the regular season. It is a two-round stroke play tournament with multiple flights determined by the Tournament Chair based on participation.
Eligibility
- All members are welcome to participate.
- Only members who have played in at least three earlier season events are eligible to win.
Flights
- The number of flights and handicap percentages / caps are set by the Tournament Chair based on participation.
- Any member may elect to play in the Championship Flight.
- Senior members may elect to compete in the Championship Flight or in the Handicap A/B Flights based on their handicap.
- The winner of the Championship Flight is the MMGC Club Champion.
Entry fee & payouts
The entry fee is $30 per participant and covers both rounds. Flights and payout percentages are based on participation and flight size, and are announced once registration closes.
Code of Conduct
From Article VI of the official MMGC Bylaws:
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
Disciplinary procedures, including impeachment and removal, are covered in Article VII of the Bylaws below.
Bylaws
Madera Municipal Golf Club Bylaws — an NCGA Golf Club · Amended January 27, 2026
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.
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
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.
The Club is managed by an Executive Committee, which consists of:
President — David Diaz
Vice President — Justin Jones
Tournament Chair — Jose Virrueta
Handicap Chair — Ben Ervin
President
Chief executive of the Club, overseeing all club operations and finances. Provides leadership and sets the direction for the Club. Chairs board and general meetings. Serves as the primary liaison with the NCGA. Ensures compliance with all NCGA and USGA policies. Manages Club finances, including budgeting and financial planning. Collects dues and pays expenses. Maintains financial records and produces reports. Ensures 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 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 members' annual Club dues are covered by the Club.
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.
See Code of Conduct above.
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.
All Club funds are dedicated to Club activities and objectives. Financial reports are presented to members at regular meetings.
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 nonprofit golf club as per Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
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.