Understanding the Mulligan in Golf
Golf is often described as a game of strict rules and integrity, but it also has a softer side that prioritizes enjoyment over rigid adherence to regulation. If you are new to the sport, you may hear your playing partners use the term mulligan A friendly do-over shot used in casual golf. on the first tee. This concept is one of the most popular unwritten rules in golf because it offers players a rare second chance. A mulligan allows a golfer to replay a stroke without a penalty, essentially acting as a do-over for a poor shot.
While you will never see a professional golfer take a mulligan during a PGA Tour event, it is a staple of recreational golf. It helps beginners relax, keeps the pace of play moving, and reduces the frustration of a terrible start. However, because it is not an official rule, the way it is applied can vary significantly from one group to another. Understanding the etiquette, common variations, and proper context for using a mulligan will help you navigate casual rounds with confidence and avoid any confusion on the course.
The Definition of a Mulligan
At its core, a mulligan is a shot that is replayed from the same spot as the previous stroke without counting the first shot or incurring a penalty. In the official Rules of Golf, replaying a shot usually comes with a harsh penalty known as stroke and distance. In casual play, a mulligan waives this penalty entirely. The first ball is disregarded as if it was never hit, and the score for the hole is determined solely by the second ball.
This practice is most commonly used on the very first tee shot of the day. Many golfers arrive at the course stiff or nervous, and the first swing can often result in a ball slicing into the woods or topping a few yards down the fairway. Granting a mulligan allows the player to reset, take a deep breath, and hit a second drive to start the round on a positive note.
Is It Legal in Official Rules?
It is important to clarify that a mulligan is strictly illegal under the official Rules of Golf established by the USGA and The R&A. If you are playing in a club championship, a qualifier, or any round where you are establishing an official handicap, you cannot use a mulligan. Doing so would result in an incorrect score submission.
However, golf is unique because the vast majority of rounds played worldwide are casual. In these scenarios, the rules are often modified by the group to maximize fun. As long as all players in the group agree to the modification, allowing a mulligan is perfectly acceptable for a relaxed weekend game.
Common Variations of the Rule
Since the mulligan is not governed by the official rulebook, there is no single standard for how it should be used. Different groups of golfers have developed their own variations over the years. It is always best to clarify which version your group is playing before you tee off on the first hole.
The Breakfast Ball
The most frequent application of the mulligan is often called a breakfast ball. This term specifically refers to a mulligan taken only on the first tee. It suggests that the player is still finishing their breakfast or waking up, and therefore deserves a warm-up shot. Once the group moves past the first hole, no further mulligans are allowed for the remainder of the round. This is generally considered the most fair and accepted way to use the rule, as it aids in pace of play by preventing a player from searching for a lost ball on the very first hole.
Mulligan on Each Nine
Some groups prefer a more lenient approach, allowing one mulligan on the front nine holes and one on the back nine. This variation provides a safety net that lasts throughout the day. It can be particularly helpful for high-handicap players or beginners who are likely to make more mistakes. If you use this rule, etiquette usually dictates that you must declare you are using your mulligan immediately after the poor shot. You generally cannot save it for later if you hit a bad shot but find the ball in a playable lie.
The Floating Mulligan
A floating mulligan is a variation where a player can use their single do-over at any point during the round. It does not have to be off the tee. A player might use it on a fairway wood shot, an approach to the green, or even a missed putt. This version is controversial in some circles because it can significantly lower a score, especially if used to erase a penalty from a water hazard or an out-of-bounds shot late in the round.
Proper Etiquette for Using Mulligans
Even though the mulligan is an informal rule, there is still a code of conduct regarding its use. Following proper etiquette ensures that the game remains fair and enjoyable for everyone in your group.
Agree on the Rules Beforehand
The most critical step is communication. Before anyone hits a tee shot on the first hole, ask the group what the rules are regarding mulligans. A simple question like "Are we playing mulligans today?" clears up any ambiguity. If the group agrees to "one off the first tee," stick to that. Attempting to take a second mulligan later in the round without prior agreement can lead to tension or accusations of cheating.
Pace of Play Considerations
One of the best arguments for using a mulligan is that it can actually speed up the game. If a player hits a ball deep into a forest, searching for it can take several minutes. If that player instead quickly tees up a second ball and hits it into the fairway, the group can move forward immediately. However, this only works if the player acts quickly. If you are going to take a mulligan, have a second ball ready in your pocket. Do not walk back to the cart to retrieve one while others are waiting.
Provisional Balls vs. Mulligans
It is easy to confuse a mulligan with a provisional ball, but they are very different. A provisional ball is an official rule used when you think your first ball might be lost or out of bounds. You hit a second ball provisionally to save time. If you find your first ball, you must play it. If you do not find it, you play the provisional ball with a penalty stroke added. A mulligan, by contrast, replaces the first ball entirely without penalty, regardless of whether the first ball is found.
The History and Origin of the Term
The etymology of the word mulligan in a golfing context is the subject of much debate. There is no verified written record that pinpoints the exact moment the term was coined, but several theories are widely accepted by golf historians. Most theories center on a specific individual named Mulligan who frequented a country club in the 1920s or 1930s.
The David Mulligan Theory
The most prominent theory attributes the term to a Canadian hotelier named David Mulligan. In the 1920s, Mulligan played regularly at the St. Lambert Country Club near Montreal. As the story goes, he was driving his regular foursome to the course one day. The rough drive over bumpy roads left him feeling shaky on the first tee, where he hit a poor shot. He impulsively re-tee'd another ball, calling it a "correction shot." His friends, amused by the act, decided to name the practice after him. David Mulligan himself eventually brought the term to the United States when he moved to New York and played at Winged Foot Golf Club.
The John 'Buddy' Mulligan Theory
Another theory suggests the term originated with a locker room attendant named John "Buddy" Mulligan at Essex Fells Country Club in New Jersey. During the 1930s, Buddy would often play with the club members, particularly the sportswriters who visited the course. Since Buddy had been working all morning while the members were relaxing, they allowed him a second shot on the first tee as a courtesy. He supposedly complained that they had been practicing while he was working, so he deserved an extra chance. The sportswriters began using the term in their columns, spreading its popularity.
Alternative Theories
Some etymologists suggest the term may have roots in Irish surnames or slang, unrelated to a specific person. There is a suggestion that it could be derived from the phrase "mull it over," implying a chance to think again and redo an action. Regardless of the true origin, the term firmly cemented itself in the lexicon of American golf by the mid-20th century.
Experience a Mulligan
Mulligans in Charity and Corporate Events
While usually forbidden in competitive play, there is one environment where buying mulligans is officially encouraged: the charity golf scramble. In these fundraising tournaments, organizers often sell "mulligan packages" to teams as a way to raise extra money for the cause.
In this context, a mulligan becomes a physical ticket or token that a team can redeem to replay a shot. It adds a layer of strategy to the event. A team might save their purchased mulligan for a difficult par-3 over water or a long putt for eagle. This is the only time you will see a form of the mulligan used in an organized tournament setting, and it is entirely legal within the specific rules of that event.
Why the Mulligan Matters for Beginners
For someone just learning golf terms and mechanics, the game can be incredibly difficult. The swing is complex, and the margin for error is small. The mulligan serves an important psychological purpose for beginners. It removes the fear of failure on the first shot of the day.
Knowing that you have a safety net allows you to swing more freely. Ironically, this relaxed state often leads to a better swing. By accepting the mulligan as a part of recreational golf, beginners can focus on learning and having fun rather than obsessing over a scorecard. It bridges the gap between the strict nature of the sport and the social enjoyment that brings people to the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take a mulligan in a professional tournament?
No, mulligans are not allowed in professional tournaments or any official competition governed by USGA or R&A rules. If a professional hits a bad shot, they must play it as it lies or take a penalty stroke according to the specific rule for that situation (such as a lost ball or unplayable lie).
What is the difference between a mulligan and a Gilligan?
A "Gilligan" is the opposite of a mulligan. It is a rare and often cruel variation used in friendly wagers where an opponent has the right to force you to replay a successful shot. For example, if you hit a great drive, your opponent could call a Gilligan, forcing you to hit the drive again.
Does a mulligan count as a stroke on the scorecard?
No. When you take a mulligan, the first bad shot is completely erased from the record. You do not count the stroke for the bad shot, and you do not add a penalty stroke. You simply count the strokes taken starting with the second ball.
How many mulligans are allowed in a round of golf?
In standard casual play, the most common agreement is one mulligan per round, typically used only on the first tee (often called a breakfast ball). However, this is entirely up to the group. Some groups allow one per nine holes, while others strictly allow none.
Is a mulligan the same as a "gimme"?
No. A mulligan is a full stroke replayed from the same spot, usually off the tee. A "gimme" refers to a very short putt that is conceded by other players, meaning you do not have to actually putt the ball into the hole because it is assumed you would make it. You still count the stroke for a gimme, whereas a mulligan erases the previous stroke.
Conclusion
The mulligan is one of the most beloved traditions in recreational golf. It represents the forgiving nature of a game that is otherwise known for its difficulty. Whether you call it a breakfast ball or simply a do-over, the mulligan allows friends to enjoy a round without the immediate pressure of a ruined scorecard on the first hole.
While it has no place in professional competitions, understanding how and when to use a mulligan is essential for anyone enjoying a casual weekend round. By clarifying the rules with your group on the first tee and using the privilege sparingly, you respect the etiquette of the game while ensuring that everyone has a good time. Next time you slice your opening drive into the trees, remember that in the world of casual golf, a second chance is often just a friendly agreement away.
