Trevor Ng
A golf mulligan is a second chance to perform an action, usually after the first attempt went wrong. It is commonly used in golf to refer to a player being allowed, informally, to replay a stroke without penalty, although that is against the formal rules of golf. The term is believed to have originated from a golfer named David Bernard Mulligan, who, after hitting a poor first tee shot, immediately re-teed and took another shot, calling it a correction shot. His companions thought it more fitting to name the unorthodox practice after him.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A stroke that is replayed from the spot of the previous stroke without penalty |
| Etymology | The term is believed to have originated from a baseball player named "Swat" Mulligan. Another theory suggests it is named after a golfer, David Bernard Mulligan. |
| Rules | Mulligans are not allowed in formal play or competitions. However, they are common in casual or social rounds and can speed up play by reducing the time spent on an errant shot. |
| Usage | Mulligans can be used to replay any shot, with a limit of 18 per round or 9 per nine holes. They are traditionally used on tee shots or the first tee shot ("breakfast ball"). |
| Variations | Some groups may allow a set number of mulligans for both sides or use them for specific situations, such as when a player is not maintaining a USGA handicap in a tournament. |
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What You'll Learn
The origin of the term 'mulligan'
The United States Golf Association (USGA) cites three stories that suggest the term is named after David Bernard Mulligan, a Canadian golfer who played in the 1920s, primarily at Lambert Country Club in Quebec, Canada. According to one story, David Mulligan hit a poor first tee shot, then immediately re-teed and took another shot, which he called a "correction shot". His companions found this amusing and decided to name the practice after him. Mulligan is said to have then brought the concept to Winged Foot, a golf club in the US.
Another theory revolves around John A. "Buddy" Mulligan, a locker room attendant at Essex Fells Country Club in New Jersey during the 1930s. One day, after a poor shot, Mulligan begged his playing partners for a second chance, given that he had been working and had not been able to practice.
A third theory, proposed by Peter Reitan in 2017, suggests that the term originated from baseball sports writing and was associated with a fictional baseball player named "Swat Mulligan", who appeared in the New York Evening World during the 1910s. Reitan presents quotations from the 1920s in which "mulligan" was used to refer to powerful hits.
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When to use a mulligan
Mulligans are not allowed in formal golf competitions and attempting to use one may lead to disqualification. However, they are commonly used in casual games and can speed up play by reducing the time spent searching for a lost ball, reducing frustration, and increasing enjoyment of the game.
If you are playing a casual game of golf with friends, you may want to use a mulligan after a poor shot. Traditionally, mulligans can only be played on tee shots, which are notoriously difficult to make accurately. Some players may also use a mulligan after a sudden spike in bad weather.
If you are playing a competitive game, you should not use a mulligan. However, in charity tournaments, mulligans may be allowed to raise additional funds. In this case, it is important to set ground rules before the game begins. For example, you may decide to allow each player one mulligan per nine holes, or a "breakfast ball" (a do-over on the first tee shot) plus a set number of extra chances.
It is important to note that while mulligans can be useful in certain situations, they should not be overused. As your skills as a golfer improve, you may want to phase out the use of mulligans and start playing "official" golf.
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Rules around mulligans
Mulligans are not allowed in professional golf or major amateur contests. Mulligans are also not permitted when tracking an official handicap index through the USGA. However, in casual games, mulligans can be allowed. When a player calls a mulligan, the retake shot is added to the score.
Mulligans are generally considered socially acceptable in certain situations. For example, taking a ""breakfast ball" or a do-over on the first tee shot of the day is a fair use of a mulligan, especially if the player is rushing to the first tee without a proper warm-up. It is also acceptable to take a mulligan if your shot is disrupted by external factors, such as a sneeze, a cart backfiring, or an animal interfering with your ball.
Different groups may have varying rules on mulligans. Some common rules include allowing each side to take one mulligan, permitting mulligans for tee shots only, or allowing a "breakfast ball" plus a set number of extra chances. It is important to get everyone's agreement on the mulligan rules before the round starts.
While there is no "correct" amount of mulligans to allow, it is considered poor golf etiquette to take more than a few per round, especially if it starts to slow down the pace of play. As a golfer improves, they may choose to reduce or eliminate their use of mulligans to maintain the integrity of their scores.
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The 'mulligan and recall' game
Mulligan and Recall is a golf game for four golfers who pair off into two teams. It can be played as match play, stroke play, or any format the players prefer. The key to the game is in its name: on each nine, each golfer gets one mulligan, but the other side also gets one recall, which is the ability to recall an opponent's shot and force them to replay it.
A mulligan is a golf term that refers to a retake of a tee shot. It is not applied in professional golf or major amateur contests but is commonly used in casual games. When a player calls a mulligan, the retake shot is added to the score. In casual or fun contexts, the match play rules could be less strict than in formal competition.
There are several origin stories for the term "mulligan". One theory suggests that it is named after David Bernard Mulligan, a Canadian golfer who played in the 1920s at the Lambert Country Club in Quebec. One day, Mulligan hit a poor tee shot, immediately re-teed, and shot again, calling it a "correction shot". His companions thought it fitting to name the unorthodox practice after him. Mulligan then brought the concept to the United States.
Another theory revolves around John A. "Buddy" Mulligan, a locker room attendant at Essex Fells Country Club in New Jersey during the 1930s. One day, Mulligan hit an awful shot and begged his playing partners for a second chance, as they had been practising while he was working.
The rules of Mulligan and Recall can be adjusted to suit the players. Some common variations include:
- The number of recalls: some golfers prefer to play with one recall per player per side, making the number of mulligans and recalls equal.
- Extra mulligans: if one side is clearly outplaying the other, each time a side loses a hole, they can pick up an extra mulligan to use on that nine. However, this variation tends to slow down the game and force an artificial balance, so it is not recommended for evenly matched teams.
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How mulligans can speed up play
A golf mulligan is a do-over, a chance to replay a shot without counting the first attempt. It is a term used in golf to describe a friendly agreement among players to allow for a re-do of a poor shot, with the aim of speeding up play and maintaining a fun and relaxed atmosphere. The idea is that if a player hits a bad shot, rather than spending time searching for a lost ball or taking a penalty stroke, they can simply take a mulligan and try again. This helps to keep the game moving at a good pace and can be especially useful for beginner golfers who might need a little extra help.
Now, how can mulligans speed up play? Well, firstly, it eliminates the time spent searching for lost balls. If a player hits a wayward tee shot into the rough or woods, rather than spending several minutes looking for their ball, they can take a mulligan and quickly hit their next shot. This keeps the game flowing and prevents delays that can hold up the groups behind them.
Secondly, mulligans can help less experienced golfers feel more comfortable and confident. Knowing that they have a second chance can take the pressure off, allowing them to swing more freely and make better contact. This improved performance can lead to faster play as they spend less time recovering from poor shots or taking extra strokes due to penalties.
Additionally, mulligans can reduce the number of penalty strokes taken during a round. Instead of having to go back to the previous spot and replaying the shot, or taking a drop and incurring a one-stroke penalty, a player can simply take a mulligan and play their next shot. This speeds up the decision-making process and keeps the game moving along.
Finally, mulligans promote a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere among playing partners. When golfers are not worried about every stroke counting, they tend to play faster and with less anxiety. This relaxed mindset can lead to improved performance and faster overall play, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.
So, while a mulligan may not be allowed in tournament play or official competitions, it is a useful tool for recreational golfers looking to improve their game and speed up play on the course. It is a great way to keep things fun and friendly while still maintaining a good pace of play.
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Frequently asked questions
A golf mulligan is a retake of a tee shot. It is not applied in professional golf or major amateur contests but is a common practice in casual games.
There are several theories about the origin of the term. One theory suggests that it is named after David Bernard Mulligan, a Canadian golfer who played in the 1920s at Lambert Country Club in Quebec. Another theory suggests that it originated from a fictional baseball player, Swat Mulligan, who appeared in the New York Evening World during the 1910s.
Mulligans can be used when a player wants a second chance to improve their shot. It is important to note that mulligans are not allowed under the official rules of golf and are considered an unofficial rule. However, in casual games, mulligans are commonly used to speed up play, reduce frustration, and increase enjoyment.
