Miles Bennett
In golf, a mulligan is a do-over or second chance at a shot with no penalty during a casual round of play. It is a term that is not used in professional golf or major amateur contests, but it is commonly used in social rounds. The term is believed to have originated from a golfer named David Bernard Mulligan, who played in the 1920s at the Lambert Country Club in Quebec, Canada. One story suggests that Mulligan hit a poor tee shot, then re-teed and took another shot, calling it a correction shot. His companions found it amusing and decided to name the practice after him.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A stroke that is replayed from the spot of the previous stroke without penalty |
| Reason | Errant shot made on the previous stroke |
| Scoring | The hole is played and scored as if the first errant shot had never been made |
| Formal play | Disallowed entirely by strict rules; players may be disqualified from sanctioned competitions |
| Casual play | Speeds play, reduces frustration, increases enjoyment |
| Limit | Each player is limited to 18 per round, sometimes 9 in the first 9 holes and 9 in the second nine |
| Types of shot | Traditionally played on tee shots, sometimes only on the first tee shot of the round (a "breakfast ball") |
| Multiple mulligans | Allowed under different names (Finnegan, Branagan, Flanagan, or Craig) until the player has hit a playable tee shot |
| Banking shots | Deemed unsportsmanlike and frowned upon |
| Charity tournaments | May charge for mulligans to collect more money for charity |
| Origin | Named after David Bernard Mulligan, a Canadian golfer who played in the 1920s at Lambert Country Club in Quebec |
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What You'll Learn
The origin of the term 'mulligan'
The origin of the term "mulligan" in golf is uncertain, but several theories exist, mostly revolving around a person with the surname Mulligan.
One theory suggests that the term was first used in 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. Peter Reitan, in a 2017 blog post, supported this theory by presenting quotations from the 1920s where "mulligan" was used as a byword for powerful hits, including taking a “mulligan” to mean taking a powerful swing at the ball.
Another theory, cited by the United States Golf Association (USGA), suggests that the term is named after David Bernard Mulligan, a Canadian golfer who played in the 1920s, primarily at the Lambert Country Club in Quebec, Canada. According to the USGA, there are three variations of this story. In one version, David Mulligan hit a poor tee shot, immediately re-teed, and took a "correction shot." His companions found it fitting to name this unorthodox practice after him, and he later brought this concept to Winged Foot, a golf club in the United States.
A third story, a combination of the first two, suggests that David Mulligan showed up late to the course one day and was so flustered on the first tee that he needed to hit a second shot, thus coining the term "mulligan." Mulligan himself appeared to confirm a version of these events in a 1952 interview with sportswriter Don Mackintosh, stating that he took a “correction shot” and called it a “mulligan.”
A different theory revolves around John A. Mulligan, also known as "Buddy," who worked as a locker room attendant at the Essex Fells Country Club in New Jersey during the 1930s. One day, after hitting an awful shot, he begged his playing partners for a second chance, as they had been practising while he was working.
While the exact origin of the term "mulligan" may be uncertain, these theories provide interesting insights into its potential etymology and highlight its association with the concept of a second chance or a "do-over" in the game of golf.
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When to use a mulligan
Mulligans are not allowed in formal golf games and are only permitted in casual rounds. They are a great way to relax during a game, but it's important to note that not all players may be accepting of the idea. It is thus important to establish before the game if Mulligans will be allowed.
Mulligans are typically used when a golfer wants a second chance after hitting a poor tee shot. They can also be used when a golfer is affected by external factors, such as a sneeze, a cart backfiring, or a car honking, or a sudden change in the weather.
Mulligans are also useful when playing on a new course, where confusion can lead to accidents like hitting from the wrong tee markers or towards the wrong green.
When starting out, it's a good idea to take Mulligans to improve your game and gain more experience. However, if you want to improve your scores, you should gradually reduce your reliance on them.
While there is no set limit on the number of Mulligans allowed, it is important to be mindful of the pace of play and not take too many, especially in a competitive setting.
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How many mulligans are allowed
In golf, a mulligan is a do-over, a second chance to perform a shot. It is a chance for a player to re-do a poor shot, often the first shot of a hole, without counting the first attempt in their score. The term is widely understood and used in casual golf games but is not a official rule in itself. The mulligan offers a way to keep the pace of play moving and maintain the enjoyment of the game for all players. It is seen as a friendly gesture and a way to give a player a bit of leeway, especially if they are a beginner or struggling with a particular aspect of their game.
So, how many mulligans are allowed? Well, this is where it gets a little tricky and is dependent on the context and the group you are playing with. In official tournament golf, mulligans are not permitted, and all shots must be played and counted as per the rules. However, in informal games, the number of mulligans allowed is usually decided by the group playing. Often, it is agreed upon before the round starts, with a limit of one or two mulligans per player for the entire round, or one per nine holes played.
Some groups may also implement specific rules about when a mulligan can be taken. For example, some may only allow a mulligan on the tee shot of a hole, or some may permit it for any shot, including putts. It is not uncommon for groups to also implement a maximum score a player can take on a hole, regardless of mulligans taken, to keep pace of play moving. This is sometimes known as a 'double par' rule, where the player picks up their ball and moves on to the next hole after reaching a certain score.
The key to deciding how many mulligans are allowed is to ensure all players are in agreement and that the rules are clear and fair for everyone. It is important to remember that mulligans are not official golf rules and should be used sparingly and only in casual games where all players are comfortable with their use. They should not be relied upon as a regular part of the game but rather as a fun way to enjoy a friendly round of golf.
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Mulligan rules
There are several theories regarding the origin of the term "mulligan". One theory suggests it is named after David Bernard Mulligan, a Canadian golfer who played in the 1920s. According to the story, Mr Mulligan took a "'correction shot' after his first tee shot went awry, and his companions decided to name the practice after him. Another theory suggests that the term originated from baseball sports writing and was associated with a fictional baseball player named Swat Mulligan.
In casual play, the use of mulligans is at the discretion of the players involved. Some groups may limit the number of mulligans allowed per player, often to 18 per round or 9 on each nine. Traditionally, mulligans are only played on tee shots, which are notoriously difficult to make accurately. In some cases, a mulligan may only be used on the first tee shot of the round, known as a "breakfast ball". While mulligans can speed up play and increase enjoyment by reducing the time spent searching for a lost ball or recovering from a bad shot, excessive use may slow down the game and reduce the challenge for more competitive players.
It is important to note that mulligans are not mentioned in the official rules of golf, and attempting to use them in sanctioned competitions may result in disqualification. However, they are commonly used in amateur and charity events to provide players with a second chance and improve their enjoyment of the game.
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Mulligan etiquette
Mulligan is a term used in golf to refer to a "'do-over' shot. It is an informal and widely practised concept in casual and friendly games, allowing players to replay a stroke from the spot of the previous stroke without penalty. Mulligans are not recognised by official golf rules and are prohibited in competitive or sanctioned events.
Communication and Transparency
Before the round, communicate and establish a mutual agreement with your playing partners about whether mulligans will be allowed and under what circumstances. This transparency avoids any misunderstandings or resentment during the game. It is also essential to respect the preferences of the group and the course conditions.
Pace of Play
Mulligans should be taken quickly to maintain the game's pace and flow. Minimising the time spent on mulligans shows respect for the group's pace and keeps the game enjoyable for everyone. It is important to use mulligans sparingly and only when it doesn't slow down the game.
Fairness and Integrity
Fairness is a critical aspect of mulligan tradition. While mulligans can enhance enjoyment and reduce frustration, some golfers believe they compromise the integrity of the game. Experienced players may prefer fewer mulligans to maintain the game's integrity. It is essential to be mindful of the skill levels of everyone in the group and use mulligans appropriately.
Strategic Use
In some formats, each player is awarded a set number of Mulligans and Recalls. A Recall allows a player to force an opponent to replay a good shot. Players must decide when to use their Mulligans and Recalls strategically to gain the greatest advantage.
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Frequently asked questions
A mulligan in golf is a retake of a tee shot, or a second chance to redo a stroke with no penalty. It is not allowed in professional or competitive play but is common among recreational golfers 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. Another theory claims that it originated from John A. "Buddy" Mulligan, a locker room attendant at Essex Fells Country Club in the 1930s.
Mulligans are generally reserved for poor shots off the tee. It is important to note that mulligans are not allowed in professional or competitive play. However, in casual or social rounds, it is common for golfers to take mulligans to improve their enjoyment of the game and speed up play. It is considered good etiquette to limit the number of mulligans taken to avoid slowing down the pace of the game.
