Policies, Rules, and Regulations.
Welcome!
Welcome to Maryland Golf and Country Clubs.
You are now part of the MGCC family and the premier country club in the area.
We pride ourselves on being the place where families come to play and where you can build relationships that last a lifetime.
Keeping a dignified family environment is important for everyone's enjoyment. Part of creating an enjoyable environment for all members and their guests is having rules and regulations. Please ensure that your family and guests know these guidelines.
Thank you for your continued cooperation, and welcome to MGCC!
Boris Gradina, MCM, CCE General Manager
--MGCC CODE OF CONDUCT--
The intention of the Code of Conduct is to establish clear expectations for Maryland Golf and Country Clubs Members, Immediate Family members, and guests.
MGCC is a premier country club that fosters a culture that values, appreciates, and respects all its Members. Its Members, their Immediate Family members, guests, and all staff shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with these values.
Code of Conduct
2.
1. Members shall conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner in all sporting activities, observing all applicable rules and standards of etiquette and fair play.
3.
MGCC has pledged to perpetuate its long history of valuing diversity, and its members shall treat others with courtesy, dignity, and respect regardless of race, color, national origin, creed, age, gender, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other condition protected by law.
Members and their guests shall respect the rights of others. Harassment of any kind shall not be tolerated.
4. Take pride in the physical appearance of our Club.
Members and their guests shall treat MGCC staff in a respectful manner. Any complaints or suggestions about staff are to be made in writing and addressed to the General Manager.
5.
6.
Members shall not engage in any act likely to endanger the welfare, safety, harmony, or good reputation of the Club, its members, guests, and staff.
7.
Members are responsible for ensuring that their behavior and that of their Immediate Family members and guests comply with this Code of Conduct and all other applicable MGCC By-Laws, policies, rules, regulations, dress codes, restrictions, and other instructions.
8.
Members shall cooperate in a courteous and respectful manner with members of management and the Board of Governors regarding any review, investigation, or other issues of compliance with this Code of Conduct or any other MGCC By-Laws, rules, regulations, procedures, restrictions, or instructions.
Resolution of violations to the MGCC Code of Conduct
A Member’s failure to follow the Code of Conduct may be reported to the Board of Governors, who may choose to take appropriate disciplinary action consistent with the MGCC By-Laws.
-End of Document-
Approved by the Board of Governors on August 29, 2024.
Golf
Each Full Golf Membership is entitled to have one (1) designated adult player for preferred tee times (Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays.)
A designated player may change from day to day.
It is the family's responsibility to work out the designated player. Failure to abide by the rules will be challenged by the golf staff and/or Golf Committee.
ACTIVE SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP TEE TIMES | WITH GREENS FEE---
Tee times may be scheduled anytime throughout the week.
Tee times may be scheduled on weekends and holidays after 10:00 am. Open morning times may be scheduled beginning Friday at 10:00 am.
Active Social members can play two (2) times per month. Playing only nine holes, whether in a T.G.I.F. event or not, counts as one allowance.
Eligibility for Tournaments
Any T.G.I.F. events only (with payment of green fees, cart fee, and tournament entry.)
Tee Time Policy
Preferred tee times are defined as 7:00 am to 10:00 am on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays (except as modified by special events or the Golf Committee).
Guests, accompanied by members, are eligible for tee time beginning at 10:00 am on weekends and holidays. Open morning times may be scheduled beginning Friday at 12:00 pm.
Local guests may play twice a calendar month with payment of greens fees.
The Director of Golf will consider all tee time requests but has the flexibility to manage tee times to optimize course utilization, play, and enjoyment of the membership.
Utilization of cross-over tee time schedules, as well as the hours of preferred tee times, will remain the business of the Golf Committee.
All play will begin on the first tee unless professional staff permits to do otherwise. Everyone must register in the Golf Shop prior to play.
---GOLF CART ETIQUETTE---
No more than two (2) people are permitted in a golf cart at one time.
Unlicensed children are not permitted to drive carts.
Carts must be kept thirty (30) feet from greens and bunkers.
Use cart paths where available and obey cart restrictions for that day.
Keep carts on paths for all par three holes.
Carts must be kept within the confines of the Club property.
Upon request, blue flags will be issued to those with disabilities.
Pull carts are subject to the same rules as motorized carts.
Golfers must use MGCC carts while playing golf.
---GOLF COURSE COURTESY---
The pace of play:
1. Keep up with the group in front of you at all times.
2. If a hole opens in front of you, invite the players behind you to play through.
3. Play "Ready Golf."
Golfers stopping for lunch after nine (9) holes will lose their place on the course and may have to start again on the first tee at the next available tee time.
Each golfer must have their own clubs and bag.
Parents are responsible for their children's adherence to the golf rules.
Replace/sand all divots, replace ball marks, and properly rake all bunkers after your shot.
Place litter in trash receptacles.
The golf course is reserved for golfers. Jogging, walking, cycling, dog walking, and activities other than golf are not permitted.
No "5-somes" will be allowed.
---MGCC GOLF PROFESSIONALS TEACHING NON-MEMBERS---
MGCC golf staff professionals may teach non-members only when there is no conflict with member driving range utilization.
Clinics involving non-members should also be open to members only when there is no conflict with member practice area utilization and when approved by BOG.
Racquets
---TENNIS GUEST POLICY---
Members may bring a guest no more than 3 times in any calendar month. This includes participation in play, member-guest events, or a social event that qualifies as a guest visit.
Non-Members may be a guest or participate in member-guest or social events held at MGCC no more than 3 times per calendar month for those events that qualify as a guest visit. Any combination of these events in association with activity of one or multiple members counts toward the 3 times per month maximum. Members and their guests must check in with the Pro Shop.
A guest fee shall be imposed for each guest visit and charged to the member's MGCC account. Guest fees for the 2024 season will be $15.00 per visit.
The following types of events are exceptions to the Tennis Guest Policy and will not count towards the 3 times per month guest visit maximum:
Social Events:
Those that support a charity or non-profit organization.
Team Events:
Those where MGCC has a member team, which plays member teams from other clubs, and there is a quid pro quo arrangement to host team events. MGCC and other clubs host teams and matches in support of these events.
Outside Events:
Those where non-member groups rent MGCC court time.
TENNIS FOOD AND BEVERAGE POLICY---
No outside food or beverage is allowed in any area of the Club (Clubhouse, Pool Complex, Tennis Complex, Pickleball Courts, and/or Golf Course) at any time. Management may allow outside food and/or beverages to be brought on premise during special occasions (i.e., birthday cakes, special desserts, and unique beverages) with prior approval.
No glass containers of any kind are allowed on the tennis courts. Members must provide account numbers for any food or drink purchased at the tennis courts.
---TENNIS PROFESSIONALS TEACHING NON-MEMBERS---
MGCC tennis professionals may teach non-members only during non-prime time (M-F before 5 PM, no holidays) and when there is no conflict with member court utilization. Clinics involving non-members should also be open to members and held only during non-prime time. A member may bring a guest(s) to share a lesson/clinic during prime time, subject to the official guest policy.
---OTHER RULES---
Smoking is not allowed at the tennis complex. Smokers are encouraged to go to the patio. All persons using the tennis facilities/ equipment do so at their own risk. MGCC will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Pool
---SWIMMING POOL CAMPUS AND GROUNDS---
The pool is open for member use only when lifeguards are on duty.
Pool Hours of Operation:
The hours established by the Management may be reduced or extended due to weather conditions and other considerations.
Opening Day: The pool will open at 3 pm on the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend End of Season Pool Closing: Will remain open through Labor Day.
When HCPS is in session (May-June):
Monday - Thursday– 3 pm to 8 pm
Friday 3 pm - 9 pm
Saturday 11am - 9pm
Sunday 11am - 8pm
When HCPS is out for the summer (June thru Labor Day):
Sunday through Thursday- 11 am to 8 pm
Fridays and Saturdays- 11am - 9pm
Cabana Bar: The Cabana Bar follows the Pool Hours of Operation. All bar seating and high-top seating at the Cabana Club are reserved for those aged 21 and over.
Weather Closing/Delay: We use specialized software to detect thunder and lightning. The Pool will be closed for a minimum of 30 minutes when thunder is detected and 45 minutes when lightning is detected. For your safety, the pool deck and complex must be cleared when lightning is present. The Pool complex will close for the day when weather conditions persist.
Pool Registration:
Sign In- Members and Guests: All members and guests must register at the sign-in desk (pool office) every day.
Member Family Information Forms: Must be completed annually for emergency purposes. Forms to include:
Names of the family members on the membership
Home/Cell/Work contact phone numbers.
Designated guardian information (Nanny / Babysitters) for young children if appropriate. Guests: Member must be present for admittance and remain with their guests at all times.
The Guest fee is $15 per person.
The same guest is permitted three times per calendar month. To avoid embarrassment, members should call ahead to check with the pool office to determine guest eligibility.
It is the Member's responsibility to inform their guest of the pool's rules and regulations.
Members bringing 10 or more guests to the pool on any given day must contact the club office to advise and make arrangements.
Extended Guest Passes:
Non-member guest passes for up to 2 weeks (out-of-town guests living 100 miles or more from the club) may be issued at the clubhouse office.
Nanny or babysitter passes for members’ children are available. A nanny or babysitter is responsible for members’ children during the absence of their parent(s) from the pool.
Pool House
Only club personnel is permitted in the pool office and snack bar. The pool phone is to be used for club business and should be kept clear in case of an emergency.
The pool manager and lifeguard staff have full authority to enforce all pool rules and regulations. Anyone not complying with the rules will be subject to these consequences:
1. Verbal Warning
2. Time-out
3. Suspension for the day
4. Referral to Board of Governors for further disciplinary action
Abusive behavior/language will result in immediate expulsion from the pool complex and will be reported to the General Manager and possibly the Board of Governors for further disciplinary action.
Age Restrictions | Age 6 and under:
Non-Toilet Trained Infants or Recently Toilet Trained Toddlers.
(These rules will prevent fecal contamination and are a Maryland State health code regulation.)
Infants who are not toilet trained may NOT use the adult pool at ANY time. No pull-up diapers or swim diapers are allowed in the adult pool.
All infants still in diapers or those in the midst of training must wear a swim diaper and a swimsuit with tight-fitting legs when in the Baby Pool.
Diaper changes must be made in the locker rooms on the changing stations.
Changing clothing outside of the locker room is prohibited.
Age Restrictions | Age 12 and under:
Children under the age of 12 cannot be dropped off at the pool without adult supervision.
Those supervising children under the age of 12 must be at least 15 years of age and must remain within the pool complex to directly supervise that member.
A bracelet system is in effect for all swimmers under the age of 12. They must successfully complete the pool’s swim test to be eligible to swim in the deep end of the pool, use the slide or diving board, and swim in any water depth above 3 ft.
Test Requirements:
1-Swim 2 lengths of the pool
2-Tread water for 60 seconds
3-Lifeguards supervise the swim test, and no one may accompany the child in the water during the test (this includes family members or lifeguards).
4-The test must be completed without a rest period and can only be attempted once per day.
5-Upon successful completion, a red bracelet will be issued and should be worn daily.
Non-swimmers must have adult supervision in the water at all times when in the pool.
Children using flotation devices must be supervised by an adult or designated supervisor in the water.
Pool Areas and Equipment
Only fully toilet-trained children are allowed in the adult pool. No pull-up diapers or swim diapers are allowed in the adult pool.
Slide Rules
Children under the age of 12 using the slide must wear a red bracelet. An adult must supervise children in the diving/slide area under the age of 10. The following procedures must be followed: Go down feet first only, do not stop in the tube. Once you have reached the water, swim to the ladder promptly to clear the way for the next member.
Only one person on the slide at a time. A second person cannot get on any part of the slide until the person in front has cleared the slide and immediately swam to the ladder.
Diving Board/Deep End Rules:
Children under the age of 12 using the diving board must wear a red bracelet.
Only one person is allowed on the diving board at a time.
Before a dive or jump is attempted, be sure no one is in the diving area.
Divers must go straight off the diving board, swim to the closest ladder, and exit the pool.
Only one bounce is allowed on the diving board.
Cannonballs, flips, and back dives are not allowed from the side of the pool.
Flotation devices are not allowed in the deep end.
Big Pool Rules:
Lap lane is reserved for lap swimming only.
Pushing, wrestling, or causing undue disturbances in the pool is prohibited.
Food is not to be eaten while in the pool.
Spa chairs are only allowed in the pool in the shallow end near the mushroom. For safety reasons, spa chairs must be within arm's length of the side of the pool and not block the entrance to the water.
Fully submerging spa chairs or any other furniture in the pool is strictly prohibited.
Only chest vests are allowed (in the shallow end) for toilet-trained children.
Adult swim sessions may be announced on crowded days. All children must clear the pool for 10 minutes.
Baby Pool Rules:
Diaper Rule: Non-toilet trained children will be permitted in the baby pool if they are wearing a clean, leakproof swim diaper covered in a bathing suit or plastic pants covering a clean diaper (pull-up diapers do not meet this requirement). Members must inform their guests of this requirement.
The Baby Pool is designated for children under the age of 6 and must be accompanied by an adult or parent at all times.
Toys:
In the interest of safety, soft plastic toys will be permitted in the baby pool and the shallow end of the big pool only.
If toys become a distraction or interfere with others, they will be confiscated and returned at a later time. Ball playing is only allowed in the middle section of the main pool (basketball, volleyball, and ball toss.)
Food and Beverage:
No outside food or beverage is allowed in any area of the Club (Clubhouse, Pool Complex, Tennis Complex, and Golf Course) at any time. Management may allow outside food and/or beverages to be brought on premises during special occasions (i.e., birthday cakes, special desserts, and unique beverages) with prior approval.
No glass containers of any kind are allowed in the pool complex.
Children are not allowed in the bar area as this is designated for those aged 21 and over.
All bar seating and high-top seating at the Cabana Club are reserved for those aged 21 and over. The Bar area consists of the Bar and high-top tables under the trellis.
Members must provide account numbers for any food or drink purchased at the pool.
Alcohol will be served only to patrons of legal age (21) with valid state-issued photo ID or Passport.
Staff is encouraged and empowered to use common judgment and not to serve alcoholic beverages to any person (member or non-member) at any time if deemed necessary.
Other Rules:
Smoking is not allowed at the pool complex. Smokers are encouraged to go to the patio.
Running, pushing, wrestling, or causing undue disturbances in the pool, locker rooms, or grounds is prohibited.
All injuries should be reported to the pool office, where first aid equipment is available. An accident report should be filled out, if necessary, with witness statements.
All persons using the pool/facilities/equipment do so at their own risk. MGCC will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Loitering in the showers and locker rooms is prohibited.
Climbing the building, fences, stone walls, or playground is not permitted.
Swim Team:
Practices and Use of The Pool Complex:
Swim Team practices are every evening starting after Memorial Day.
The Pool complex is closed to the membership during scheduled events. If you are interested in the MGCC Swim Team and want to become an MGCC Frog, contact the Main Office for more information.
Pool Attire
Pool attire is strictly limited to the immediate pool area and the pool locker room facilities and is not acceptable in any other area of the Club grounds, including the Clubhouse, patio, and Clubhouse locker rooms. Appropriate cover-ups and/or tee shirts must be worn into the locker rooms and while seated at the Cabana Club tables. Denim is not appropriate pool attire. This attire is unacceptable in any other area of the Main Clubhouse or Club grounds. Ladies may wear cheeky-bottom bathing suits but absolutely no thongs or Brazilian/French cut bottoms. Men are not allowed to wear speedos. Hemmed or nicely tailored denim shorts are allowed in the pool area. No cut-off shorts are allowed.
~~~Parents Night Out (PNO) Policy~~~
Only children two years and older will be accepted.
Children must be fully toilet trained.
Parents MUST be on the property and be available.
If there are no reservations by 4:00 pm, the PNO will be canceled.
No more than six children per attendant will be allowed during PNO. If we do not have a sufficient number of attendants, we reserve the right not to take children in.
Parents must make all food and beverage orders for the children at the time of drop-off.
Attendants will not take orders from the children, nor will they accommodate their requests without parents’ approval. No show/no call reservations will be subject to 100% PNO fee.
Dress Code
---DRESS CODE POLICY---
Compliance with the Club dress code by all members supports the tradition, decorum, and dignity of our Club, and the dress code applies to the entire Club property from the time of your arrival. Members must ensure that their family and guests are dressed appropriately. All guests must adhere to the dress code while on the premises, and it is the member's responsibility to ensure rules are followed.
Clubhouse
Shirts are always to be tucked in under trousers, except for shirts designed to be worn outside of the trousers (such as tropical shirts). Clothing with noticeable rips, tears, excessive wrinkles, or soiling is improper attire. Tee shirts, denim shorts, cotton cargo or carpenter shorts, fitness attire, jogging suits, and sweatsuits are not proper attire for the clubhouse. Fashionable jeans are acceptable as long as there are no holes or tears and are not severely distressed.
As determined by the House Committee and Board of Governors, these are not acceptable anywhere on the property:
Exposed undergarments.
"See-through" fabric without proper lining.
Bare midriffs.
Shorts or skirts with a hemline shorter than mid-thigh. No fleece, bulky, sports logo, or message hoodies.
T-shirts.
Uncollared shirts that are not associated with MGCC.
Clothing with large brand names, images, slogans, or logos.
Torn, sloppy, or un-tailored clothing and footwear.
Bare feet.
Yoga pants.
Work uniforms such as hospital scrubs, police uniforms, fire department, etc. are not appropriate for dining in any part of the Clubhouse. They are only appropriate if picking up carry-out orders.
Members may only wear swimsuits and swimwear in and around the Swimming Pool.
Hat Policy
Hats and caps are not to be worn backwards.
Hats are permitted in the Lower Level/Pro Shop/Turn Grill areas.
Hats are permitted in the Bar, High-Top Tables in the Bar Area, and the Pavilion.
Hats are not permitted in the Founders Room, Casual Dining Area, or Family Lounge.
Hats in any outdoor space (including the Pavilion) are acceptable.
Founders Room
For the Formal Dining/Founders Room:
Jackets for Gentlemen are required.
For Boys, appropriate attire consists of clothing commensurate with the attire worn by Gentlemen.
Untucked shirts are not permitted unless designed to be worn in that fashion.
For Ladies and Girls, appropriate attire consists of classic, modest, tasteful, and tailored outfits with dress shoes or sandals.
Sporting attire, hats, shorts, and jeans are prohibited at all times. Nicely pressed, clean golf shirts are allowed.
Golf Attire for Men
Golf footwear is required. Men shall always wear collared sports shirts and slacks or mid-thigh length golf shorts. Tennis or jogging shorts or denim pants or shorts (including jeans) are not permitted. Shirts: mock turtlenecks are permitted. Hats must be worn bill forward. Shorts shall always be kept neat and pressed, always, and must be in good taste. Shorts and pants must be worn at the crest of the hip. Cotton cargo shorts are not permitted. String-tied or elastic support wear, such as basketball apparel, is not permitted. Any questionable golf attire is at the discretion of the Golf Pro.
Golf Attire for Women
Proper golf attire includes any clothing specifically designed for golf and similar to products sold in the Golf Shop, plus proper golf shoes. Golf dresses, mid-thigh length skirts/skorts, slacks, pocketed mid-thigh length shorts, collared shirts, collared racerbacks, and blouses are considered appropriate attire. Proper attire on the golf course does not include halter tops, t-shirts, cut-offs, sweatpants, workout pants, leggings, warm-up suits, jeans, swimwear, short shorts, tennis skorts, or other athletic shorts. Leggings are allowed under skirts in weather conditions that require layers. Leggings alone are not acceptable to play golf. Traditional tennis attire, such as short-short skirts and tanks, is not appropriate on the golf course.
Tennis Attire
Tennis footwear is required. Proper tennis attire as determined by the Tennis Committee (collared shirts are encouraged, tennis tops, including “wicking” material with small logos - sleeved and sleeveless tennis dresses) is always required. Colors are permitted, but cut-offs, Bermuda shorts, cargo shorts, jams, bathing suits, gym shorts, tee shirts (shirts without a collar other than crewnecks), slacks (other than traditional tennis slacks), running shorts or other jogging attire, tank tops, denim shorts, biking shorts are not permitted. Regulation tennis shoes are required. (Basketball shoes, running shoes, sandals, or flip-flops of any kind. etc. are not allowed.) Any questionable tennis attire is at the discretion of the Director of Tennis or the Tennis Pro(s). Leggings are allowed under skirts in weather conditions that require layers. Leggings alone are not acceptable to play tennis.
Social Attire
Dining and social events at the Club vary in format, and sometimes the attire will be specified. If not specified, male members and guests shall wear collared shirts, turtlenecks, or mock turtlenecks. Tee shirts, denim shorts, cotton cargo or carpenter shorts, jogging suits, and sweatsuits are not proper attire for men. Golf shorts and denim pants (including blue jeans) are permitted unless otherwise specified. If not specified, female members and guests shall wear skirts or slacks. Halters, tank tops, tee shirts, shirts that expose a bare midriff, denim shorts, jogging attire, biking shorts, and spandex clothing are prohibited. If attire is specified for an event, please observe the specified dress code, and inform your guests of the stipulated attire.
Pool Attire
Pool attire is strictly limited to the immediate pool area and the pool locker room facilities and is not acceptable in any other area of the Club grounds, including the Clubhouse, patio, and Clubhouse locker rooms. Appropriate cover-ups and/or tee shirts must be worn into the locker rooms and while seated at the Cabana Club tables. Denim is not appropriate pool attire. This attire is unacceptable in any other area of the Main Clubhouse or Club grounds. Ladies may wear cheeky-bottom bathing suits but absolutely no thongs or Brazilian/French cut bottoms. Men are not allowed to wear speedos. Hemmed or nicely tailored denim shorts are allowed in the pool area. No cut-off shorts are allowed.
Other Policies
---CELL PHONE POLICY---
Clubhouse
In the Clubhouse, cell phones can only be used outside of the member dining and beverage areas and must be silenced while in the dining room areas.
Text messaging and emailing is permitted.
Golf Course
Cell phone use on the golf course and practice facilities is limited to the silent or vibrate mode. The conversation is limited only to emergencies. Individuals making or receiving an emergency call must immediately remove themselves from play.
Text messaging and emailing shall be permitted if it does not slow play.
---FRIENDLY BILLING/PAYMENT REMINDERS---
Monthly Food Minimum
Only food charges, before service charge and tax, apply.
Two (2) groups according to the first initial of the last name:
A to M is calendar month (1st - 31st).
N to Z is split month (16th - 15th of the following month).
Statements
Processed as of the last day of the month, the statement balance comprises the current month’s house charges and dues for the following month. The full balance is due monthly by the 25th. Late payments are subject to a 10% penalty.
Statements will be emailed unless a paper statement is requested in writing.
Payments can be made by cash, check, or credit card (a 3% fee is applied) at the Club during normal business hours. Check payments can be left in the Member Payment Mailbox, located outside the Main Office door, and a drive-up box in the circle outside the membership entrance after business hours and on weekends. Payments can also be made online via the MGCC website.
Automatic payment plans are available. Forms are available in the office.
---OTHER POLICIES---
No outside food or beverages are allowed in any area of the Club (Clubhouse, Pool Complex, Tennis Complex, and Golf Course) at any time. During special occasions (i.e., birthday cakes, special desserts, and unique beverages), management may allow outside food and beverages to be brought to the premises. Alcohol will be served only to patrons of legal age (21) with a valid state-issued photo I.D. or passport. Smoking is not permitted in any indoor areas of the Club as well as inside of the Pool and Tennis Complexes. Staff is encouraged and empowered to use common judgment and not to serve an alcoholic beverage to any person (member non-member) at any time if deemed necessary. All cancellations for member events (i.e., Mother's Day Brunch, Holiday Party) must be at least 48 hours prior to the event or will be subject to a 50% fee.
