Current Bylaws (revised March 2009)

2009 NIST Golf Association
Rules of Play

Activities of the GA shall be governed by the USGA Rules except for the additional allowances below.  Also note local rules printed on the scorecard.  [Note: The USGA rules for medal play shall govern.]

The use of rangefinders to determine your distance to the pin or other object is permitted. [2/07]

Drop ball within two club lengths of the point where the ball was estimated to be lost, but not nearer to the hole or play from the previous point of play.  One stroke penalty. [dropping on the flight path eliminated 2/07]

A ball lost within an unmown grass area may be dropped within two club lengths of the point where it crossed the boundary of the unmown area.  [2/07]

Note: A found ball cannot be declared ‘lost’.

USGA rule applies. One stroke penalty. . [dropping on the flight path eliminated 2/07]

Note: Relief for a plugged ball, i.e., a ball in its own pitch mark, is allowed only in the closely mown grass through the green (e.g., the fairway).  Reminder: Any ball can be declared unplayable.

Drop ball anywhere within two club lengths of the point where the ball crossed the boundary, but not nearer to the hole.  One stroke penalty.     [dropping on the flight path eliminated 2/07]

*NOTE: In the case where the ball position is beyond the green, "not nearer to the hole" can be modified by, "or not more than 2 club lengths from the point where the ball crossed the boundary of the course.

When a ball is hit into a crossing water hazard, a ball may be dropped anywhere between the point from which the ball was hit and the place the ball entered the water.  In all cases, the hazard must be between the ball and the green.  It may be re-teed if desired, if initially struck from the teeing ground.  One Stroke penalty.  If two consecutive balls are hit into a crossing water hazard, the player shall drop the ball within 2 club lengths of the water on the other side.  For example, the player now lies 5 hitting 6 (1 in, 2 out, 3 in, 4 out, 5 across) when the first stroke was from the teeing ground. 

When a ball is hit into a lateral hazard, a ball is dropped outside the water hazard (with a one stroke penalty) within 2 club lengths of 1) the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard or 2) a point on the opposite margin of the water hazard equidistant from the hole, and in both instances not nearer to the hole than the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard.  The player has the option to hit from the original position rather than using the 2 club lengths rule. 

Any lie in the fairway in play may be improved with the club head, foot, or hand, but cannot be moved more than 6 inches or to the nearest grass, but no closer to the hole.  To speed up play, it is recommended that the ball be placed by hand. 

The golf club may not be grounded.  Rake trap after playing.

Pin must be tended or removed from hole for any shot from on-the-green.  Repair ball marks.

Do not stand near, or in back of a player while they are hitting a shot or putting.

Take your practice swings and line up your putts while others are shooting or putting.  Be prepared to shoot when it is your turn. If you are ready and the customary person is not, play.

The flowerbeds will be treated as ground under repair as specified in USGA Rule 25. In order to get a free drop, there has to be ““reasonable evidence”” that the ball was lost in the flowerbed.

PLAY FAST ****** added notes to the NIST GA Rules of Play (1995)

You do not have to wait on a slow player, except at the next tee.  Play ahead.

Watch your ball!!!  If you immediately begin to bemoan the fates and do not watch your ball to its final destination, you deserve to lose it.  Pick out landmarks to note its location.  Remember them.  Walk directly to your ball.  Do not delay finding it.  Starting your search only after others have hit delays everyone.  Follow the time limit rule for ball searches (Rule 27).  Once the proximate area of the ball is reached the opposing captain should start the clock on the 5 minute limit.  Searchers easily lose track of time when looking.  Enforce this rule.  Be aware of USGA rule 1-3 if you choose not to enforce this rule.

Look for out-of-bounds balls only if it does not delay play.  That is, searchers should hit first, search while others are hitting, and then move on with the others.

Teeoff time is 4:00 pm.  If a ball is not teed up with a golfer standing over it at 4:01, the next team is invited to start.  This is not an arrival time, or any other kind of time other than a teeoff time.  You are expected to have your shoes on, pants on, gloves on, club in hand, and to have finished any warm up or other idiosyncratic habits.  Be prepared.

Play ready golf.  Beware of golf etiquette.  Do not apply it if it slows play. If you are ready to tee off, do so.  Don't wait for 'honors' person if that person is not ready once the fairway is open. (Rule 10-2a is waived for League play when the proper player is not ready.) Rule 10-2b is waived if the proper player is not ready to hit.  Then the next player under 10-2b shall hit.  Ready to hit means 'club in hand' ready to do the normal pre-shot routine. The same with putting if others don't even have the putter in hand. Don't wait for the away person if that person hasn't gotten to the green yet.  Much of your 'pre-shot' routine can be done while others hit.

Admiration of someone else's performance is appropriate only if it not your turn to hit next.

Players in opposite hinterlands don't have to wait for each other.

Plan ahead.  Put your bag on the path towards the next tee while you wait for someone else to putt, or if you have to go to the back of the green to get to your ball.  Sight your putt while others sight theirs so you will be ready when it is your turn.  Use your waiting time productively.

Repair divots while you wait so the next group does not need to, even if they aren't yours.  It will save them time.  (Repair spike marks only after you have putted.)

Have your club in hand before it is your turn to hit.  Period.  No excuses.

Clear the green before marking scores, discussing results, and idling about with other non-stroke activities.

Be reminded of USGA rule 6-7 for UNDUE DELAY.  Apply it.

Keep up with the group ahead.  If you cannot do so, then let the following group play through.