Article I – NAME
The name of this golf club shall be Skylinks Golf Club.
Article II – PURPOSE
FIRST: To stimulate interest in golf at Skylinks at Buchanan Fields in Concord, California, by bringing together a diverse group of golfers desirous of forming a community-focused golfing organization, with the nine-hole course recognized as their home course.
SECOND: To promote and foster among the members a closer bond and sense of community for their joint and mutual benefit, and to uphold the best interests and true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions.
THIRD: To encourage conformance to the USGA Rules of Golf by establishing a representative authority to ensure fair play and sportsmanship.
FOURTH: To maintain a uniform system of handicapping as set forth in the NCGA/USGA Handicap System and issue NCGA/USGA Handicap Indexes to members, facilitating competitive and equitable play.
FIFTH: To provide an authoritative body to govern and conduct club competitions at Skylinks at Buchanan Fields and other regional courses, fostering engagement and camaraderie among members.
SIXTH: To engage with the Concord community through outreach, events, and partnerships to promote golf as an inclusive and accessible sport for all skill levels.
Article III – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership shall be available to all individuals who share an interest in golf and the mission of the Skylinks Golf Club. There shall be a minimum of 20 members to ensure a vibrant and active club.
Section 2. Memberships in the club are individual and non-transferable. Dues include membership in the Northern California Golf Association (NCGA), which provides a subscription to the quarterly magazine NCGA Golf, monthly computerized handicap updates, NCGA tournament eligibility, and other special membership services. All members must register for NCGA membership to participate in handicap services and NCGA-affiliated events.
Section 3. Only golfers with a reasonable and regular opportunity to play golf with fellow members at Skylinks at Buchanan Fields or other designated courses, and who can personally return scores for posting, may be members and receive NCGA/USGA Handicap Indexes from the club.
Section 4. Memberships in the club are for a calendar year, with all memberships expiring on December 31st.
Section 5. The fiscal year for the club shall be January 1st – December 31st.
Section 6. Each candidate for membership shall submit an application, proposed and seconded by two active members in good standing. The Board of Directors shall review and act upon each application by vote, with two negative votes sufficient to disqualify a candidate. The Board may establish additional application procedures to ensure alignment with club values.
Section 7. The Board of Directors may confer honorary memberships upon individuals who have significantly contributed to the advancement of golf or the Skylinks Community Golf Club. Such action requires the unanimous affirmative vote of the Board.
Section 8. In the event that any member commits an act that reflects discredit or disrepute on the club, or refuses to comply with the rules and regulations adopted by the Board of Directors or duly appointed officers, such member shall be subject to suspension or expulsion after ten days written notice and the right to be heard. A two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors at a regular or special meeting called for this purpose is required for such action.
Section 9. The annual meeting of the Skylinks Golf Club shall be held on the first week in October at a location designated by the Board, such as Skylinks at Buchanan Fields or a community venue in Concord. The Board of Directors shall provide for additional meetings as deemed necessary and shall call special meetings upon written petition signed by not less than ten percent of the membership.
Section 10. A legal quorum at any meeting shall be fifteen members present in person or by proxy. Each active member in good standing shall be entitled to one vote.
Section 11. All membership fees and dues shall be established by the Board of Directors to ensure adequate operation and maintenance of the club. Fees shall be structured to promote accessibility while supporting club activities. Members remain liable for dues until their written resignation is received and accepted. All monies collected shall accrue to the benefit of the membership and the club’s mission.
Section 12. The club may offer tiered membership categories (e.g., full, social, or junior) as determined by the Board of Directors to accommodate diverse interests and engagement levels, with specific benefits and dues outlined for each category.
Article IV – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. The Board of Directors shall consist of five members in good standing of the Skylinks Golf Club. The Board shall exercise all powers of management not specifically excepted by these Bylaws, including strategic planning, financial oversight, and community engagement.
Section 2. At least six weeks prior to the Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors shall appoint a nominating committee consisting of five members in good standing, none of whom are current Board members. At least five weeks prior to the Annual Meeting, the committee shall submit to the Board and post on the club website and at Skylinks at Buchanan Fields a list of nominees to fill vacancies for the term beginning on the day of the meeting. Additional nominations may be made by petition signed by at least ten members in good standing and submitted to the Board at least three weeks prior to the Annual Meeting. At least two weeks prior to the Annual Meeting, a final list of candidates shall be emailed to members and posted on the club website and at the course.
Section 3. Voting for the Board shall be by written or electronic ballot, with those receiving the greatest number of votes declared elected. The Board shall appoint a committee of three non-Board, non-candidate members to supervise the election process and ensure transparency.
Section 4. The Board of Directors shall meet at least quarterly at times and places they select, with meetings open to members unless sensitive matters require a closed session. A majority of the Board (four members) shall constitute a quorum.
Section 5. In case of a vacancy due to death, resignation, disqualification, or other cause, the remaining directors may elect a successor by majority vote to serve the unexpired term until the next Annual Meeting.
Article V – OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
Section 1. Within ten days after the Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors shall meet to elect officers from among its members.
Section 2. The officers shall consist of President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, with duties as follows:
- President: Presides over meetings, represents the club in external matters, and oversees strategic initiatives.
- Vice-President: Assists the President and assumes their duties in their absence.
- Secretary: Maintains records, minutes, and correspondence, and ensures compliance with NCGA requirements.
- Treasurer: Manages financial records, budgets, and dues collection, providing regular reports to the Board and membership.
Section 3. The Board of Directors shall authorize and define the powers and duties of all committees. Committee chairs and members shall be appointed by the President, who shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating committee.
Section 4. The following standing committees shall be appointed annually, with additional committees as deemed necessary by the President:
- Tournament Committee: Arranges and schedules competitions at Skylinks at Buchanan Fields and other courses, conducts intra-club and inter-club events, and coordinates NCGA qualifying events.
- Handicap Committee: Establishes and maintains a fair handicap system in accordance with the NCGA/USGA Handicap System Manual, ensuring accurate and timely updates.
- Membership Committee: Reviews applications, promotes membership growth, and recommends actions to the Board to align with the club’s inclusive mission.
- Social Committee: Organizes social events, community outreach, and activities to enhance member engagement and promote the club within Concord.
- Community Engagement Committee: Develops partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses to promote golf and the club’s role as a community hub.
Section 5. All committees shall operate in accordance with USGA guidelines where applicable and report regularly to the Board of Directors.
Article VI – AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS
Section 1. The Board of Directors may propose amendments to these Bylaws, which shall not take effect until approved by a two-thirds majority of members present at a meeting held in accordance with these Bylaws. Proposed amendments shall be communicated to members at least two weeks prior to the meeting via email and posting on the club website and at Skylinks at Buchanan Fields.
Article VII – DISSOLUTION
Section 1. In the event of the dissolution of the Skylinks Golf Club, any remaining assets after payment of liabilities shall be donated to a nonprofit organization in Concord, California, dedicated to promoting golf or community recreation, as determined by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.