Jackson Reid
In golf, a do-over is more commonly known as a mulligan. It refers to a re-hit or correction shot that is taken without penalty after a poor shot. The term is believed to have originated from Canadian golfer David B. Mulligan, who played at the Country Club of Montreal golf course in the 1920s. After hitting a poor tee shot, Mulligan re-teed and took another shot, and his companions named this unorthodox practice after him. Today, the term mulligan is used in various games, including collectible card games and golf, to refer to a do-over or a second chance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Term | Mulligan |
| Other names | Do-over, breakfast ball, correction shot |
| Definition | Golf slang for re-hitting a shot with no penalty |
| History | Named after Canadian golfer David B. Mulligan (1869–1954) |
| Use | Golf tournaments held for charity may charge for mulligans to collect more money for charity |
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What You'll Learn
A 'mulligan' is golf slang for a do-over
Golf is a game with a rich vocabulary, and one of the most well-known terms is 'mulligan'. A mulligan is golf slang for a do-over, or, in other words, a chance to have another go at a shot without any penalty. It is an informal term, and not permitted in official play, but it is a useful concept for beginners or those playing for fun.
The term is thought to have originated with a Canadian golfer, David B. Mulligan, who played at the Country Club of Montreal in the 1920s. One story goes that after a poor tee shot, Mulligan hit another, calling it a "correction shot". His companions thought it more appropriate to name the practice after him, and the term entered the golfing lexicon. Another version of the story suggests that Mulligan was allowed an extra shot because he was shaky after a difficult drive over a bridge to the course.
The term has also been linked to a fictional baseball player, Swat Mulligan, who appeared in the New York Evening World in the 1910s and was known for his extraordinary batting skills. This etymology was put forward by Peter Reitan, who cast doubt on the theory that the term originated with David Mulligan. Reitan also presented quotations from the 1920s in which Mulligan's name was used to refer to powerful hits, suggesting that the term evolved over time to refer to a do-over.
In card games, a mulligan refers to the process of adjusting a player's initial hand of cards, and the rules vary depending on the game. In golf, a mulligan can be a useful way to keep the game competitive when playing with friends, and it is also sometimes used in charity tournaments, where players might pay for the privilege of a do-over to raise more money for a good cause.
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It's a second chance to replay a stroke
In golf, a "do-over" is commonly referred to as a mulligan. It is an informal term for a second chance to replay a stroke, without penalty, after an errant shot. The term is believed to have originated with Canadian golfer David B. Mulligan, who, after hitting a poor tee shot, immediately re-teed and took another shot, calling it a "correction shot". His companions found it more fitting to name the practice after him.
The concept of a "do-over" or "mulligan" is not limited to golf and can be found in other games as well. In card games, for example, a "mulligan" refers to the process of adjusting a player's initial hand of cards. In Magic: The Gathering, a player may declare a "mulligan" after drawing their initial hand, shuffle their current hand back into their deck, draw a new hand, and repeat this process until they are satisfied.
In golf tournaments held for charity, "mulligans" may be offered for sale to collect more money for the cause. While the use of "mulligans" is not permitted in official play, they are commonly used in casual matches to give players a second chance to improve their game.
Some golfers use "mulligans" liberally when they are starting out, taking multiple "do-overs" until they achieve a satisfactory shot. As their skills improve, they may adopt a mulligan rule to maintain competitiveness in their game.
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The term may have come from a Canadian golfer
The term "mulligan", which is golf slang for a "do-over" or "re-hit", may have originated from Canadian golfer David B. Mulligan (1869-1954). Mulligan played at the Country Club of Montreal golf course, in Saint-Lambert near Montreal during the 1920s. There are three popular stories that indicate his association with the term.
The first story suggests that Mulligan, after hitting a poor tee shot, immediately re-teed and shot again, calling it a "correction shot". His companions, however, thought it more appropriate to name the unorthodox practice after him, and Mulligan then brought the concept to Winged Foot, a golf club in the U.S.
The second story suggests that Mulligan was allowed an extra shot due to his shaky condition after a difficult drive over the Victoria Bridge to the course.
The third story, a citation from the 1931 Detroit Free Press, presents a transitional form of the term. In this instance, a golfer was given a "mulligan" after his first drive barely missed carrying a creek. The golfer's second shot was successful, and the use of the term "mulligan" here combines both the idea of a do-over and a powerful shot.
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It's not allowed in official play
A "do-over" in golf is also known as a mulligan. It refers to a re-hit shot with no penalty, usually after a poor shot. The term is believed to have originated with Canadian golfer David B. Mulligan, who, after hitting a poor tee shot, immediately re-teed and shot again, calling it a "correction shot". His companions found it more fitting to name the practice after him.
Despite its popularity, a mulligan is not allowed in official play. It is considered an informal term for a do-over shot. In golf tournaments held for charity, mulligans may be offered for a price, with the proceeds going to the charity.
Mulligans are also used in card games, where players can declare a mulligan and redraw their hand if they are unsatisfied with their initial hand. In Magic: The Gathering, for example, a player may declare a mulligan and redraw their hand, but they must then place one card from their hand at the bottom of their deck for each time they have mulliganed.
In golf, a breakfast ball is a slang term for a mulligan on the first hole.
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You can pay for mulligans in charity tournaments
A "mulligan" in golf is a slang term for a "do-over". It refers to the act of re-hitting a shot with no penalty, essentially giving the golfer a second chance to improve on their previous stroke. The term is believed to have originated from Canadian golfer David B. Mulligan, who, after hitting a poor tee shot, immediately re-teed and took another shot, calling it a "correction shot". His companions found it more fitting to name the practice after him.
Charity golf tournaments are a fun way to raise money for a good cause. To increase contributions, many of these tournaments allow players to purchase mulligans. For example, at the Tee It Up For Mattawa Charity Golf Tournament, players can buy mulligan tickets to gain a "get out of jail free card". The money raised from the sale of these mulligans goes towards the charities that the tournament is supporting.
Organizers of charity golf tournaments can sell mulligan cards as raffle tickets, adding an element of creativity and fun to the tournament while also grabbing the attention of the players. For instance, they can sell mulligan cards in conjunction with regular "free shots", offering the cards at a certain price and specifying how many can be used on the course and how many are for raffle prizes. This not only generates more money for charity but also provides an enjoyable experience for the participants.
The format of the tournament will determine the number of mulligans allowed and where they can be used. For instance, some tournaments allow a mulligan on each of the nine holes, and by selling two "take another shot" cards to each participant, organizers can raise a significant amount for their charity. The price of the mulligan cards can be adjusted to suit the tournament format and the expected spending of the participants, who are there to contribute to the charitable cause.
Overall, the ability to purchase mulligans in charity golf tournaments is a fun and effective way to raise additional funds for worthy causes. It provides golfers with a "get out of jail free card" while also contributing to the success of the charitable initiative.
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Frequently asked questions
A do-over in golf is also known as a "mulligan". It refers to re-hitting a shot with no penalty.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) cites three stories that claim the term is derived from the name of a Canadian golfer, David B. Mulligan (1869-1954). One story goes that after hitting a poor tee shot, Mulligan immediately re-teed and shot again, calling it a "correction shot". His companions then named the practice after him.
Do-overs are not allowed in official play. However, they are often used in casual matches.
A breakfast ball is golf slang for a do-over on the first hole.
