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 friendly tradition in casual golf games that allows players to retake a shot without penalty. Mulligans are not allowed in professional or tournament play but are a staple in friendly rounds, charity scrambles, and casual betting games. The term is believed to have originated from a Canadian golfer named David Mulligan, who, after a bad first tee shot, insisted on a second chance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A second chance or "do-over" to attempt a shot again after the first attempt went wrong |
| Origin | Named after David Bernard Mulligan, a Canadian golfer who played in the 1920s. However, there are several other theories about the term's origin. |
| Usage | Mulligans are not allowed in professional play or amateur competitions but are common in casual rounds and charity events. |
| Rules | Mulligans can be used for tee shots or long shots following tee shots. It is poor etiquette to take more than a few per round, and they should not be taken on or near the green. |
| Exceptions | Mulligans can be used in certain situations, such as when a player is not maintaining a USGA handicap in a tournament or betting money. |
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What You'll Learn
The origins of the term 'Mulligan'
The term 'mulligan' in golf refers to a retake of a tee shot, or a 'do-over'. It is not applied in professional golf or major amateur contests but is used in casual games.
There are several theories as to the origin of the term, all of which centre around a character with the surname Mulligan. The first is that it comes from David Bernard Mulligan, a Canadian amateur golfer and hotelier who may have made the term famous in the 1920s. There are three variations of this story. The first is that Mulligan hit a poor first tee shot, then 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, and Mulligan then brought the concept to the US. The second story is that Mulligan showed up late to the course and was so flustered that he needed to take a second shot. The third story is a combination of the first two: that Mulligan hit a poor first shot and then took a second, calling it a "correction shot".
The second theory revolves around John A. Mulligan, also known as 'Buddy', a locker room attendant and golfer at Essex Fells Country Club in New Jersey during the 1930s. One day, Mulligan hit an awful shot and begged his playing partners to let him take another, as they had been practising while he was working.
Another theory is that the term originated with "Swat Mulligan", a fictional baseball player with extraordinary batting skills who appeared in the New York Evening World during the 1910s.
Finally, one source suggests that the term comes from a Scottish golfer named Angus Mulligan, who was terrible at the game but had the best land to play on. His friends would let him take as many chances as he needed to drive the ball, and so the term "Angus Mulligan", later shortened to "mulligan", was born.
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When to use a Mulligan
Mulligans are not mentioned in the official rules of golf and are not used in professional tournaments. However, they are a handy tool in casual rounds of golf, charity games, and other informal settings. A mulligan allows a golfer to replay a shot from the previous stroke, facing a penalty or other repercussions. All players must agree to allow mulligans to be used in a game before anyone can call for one. While there is no limit to the number of mulligans that can be used in a game, it is important to be mindful of the time and not slow down the play by taking too many.
So, when is it a good time to use a mulligan? Mulligans are typically used when a golfer has hit a poor tee shot that they would like to redo. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as confusion about the new course, a damaged ball, or simply a bad shot. If a golfer is struggling and just wants to get through the game, a mulligan can be a helpful way to speed up play. Additionally, if a golfer is interrupted during their shot by an external factor, such as a sneeze, a car horn, or an animal, it is an acceptable opportunity to take a mulligan.
It is important to note that while mulligans can be a fun and relaxing part of a casual game of golf, they may not always be accepted by fellow players, especially in more competitive settings. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss and set ground rules with the group before the game begins, including the number of mulligans allowed and when they can be used.
In conclusion, mulligans are a great way to smooth out the bumps in a casual round of golf, but they should be used sparingly and with the agreement of all players involved.
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Rules around using a Mulligan
Mulligans are not mentioned in the official rules of golf. However, they are a powerful unofficial rule by which many players stand. Mulligans are generally allowed in amateur or charity events, but not in professional golf or major amateur contests.
There are several theories about the origin of the term 'mulligan'. One story claims that it is named after David Bernard Mulligan, a Canadian golfer who played in the 1920s. Mulligan played a ''correction shot' after his first tee shot went wrong, and those present believed it would be a fitting tribute to name this free shot after him. Another theory suggests that it was named after John A. Mulligan, a locker room attendant at a course in New Jersey during the 1930s. Mulligan often played with professional golfers, and one day, he hit an awful shot and begged his partners for a second chance, as they had been able to practice while he was working.
There are some generally accepted rules and scenarios for using a mulligan:
- Mulligans are typically used for tee shots.
- Mulligans are usually limited to one per round or one per nine holes.
- Mulligans are often used for the first tee shot of the day, known as a "breakfast ball". However, it may be considered impolite to take a breakfast ball if your host hasn't offered one, or if you've already had a long practice session.
- Mulligans can be used if you are distracted by an external factor such as a sneeze, a cart backfiring, or an animal disrupting your ball.
- Mulligans can be taken if you hit from the incorrect tee markers, the wrong green, or the wrong fairway due to confusion about the course.
- Mulligans can be justified if your ball is damaged or makes a strange sound when hit.
- Mulligans are sometimes allowed if you are not maintaining a USGA handicap in a tournament or betting money.
It's important to note that the use of mulligans may slow down the game and affect your scoring ability. Before taking a mulligan, it's advisable to set ground rules with your golfing buddies and ensure everyone agrees.
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Number of Mulligans allowed
Mulligans are not mentioned in the official rules of golf and are not allowed by the USGA. However, they are commonly used in casual or social rounds of golf, especially among amateurs, and can be very useful in certain situations. Mulligans allow a golfer to retake a shot, typically with no penalty, and are often used when a player has taken a poor previous shot, been affected by bad weather, or suffered some other kind of bad luck.
There is no set number of Mulligans allowed in a game of golf, and different groups have varying rules. Some allow each side to take one mulligan, while others permit them only for tee shots. Some groups allow a "breakfast ball" (a do-over on the first tee shot) plus a set number of extra Mulligans. It is important to get everyone's agreement on the rules before the round starts and to be clear about how many Mulligans there will be. A golfer cannot have two Mulligans on the same hole.
While Mulligans can be a useful way to improve your score, they are not without their drawbacks. For example, if you are approaching a milestone, it is better to hit your target without any caveats or disclaimers. Similarly, if you are keeping a clean scorecard to track your progress, it is better to do so without the use of Mulligans.
In conclusion, while there is no set number of Mulligans allowed in a game of golf, it is important to remember that they are not officially recognised by the USGA and should be used sparingly, if at all.
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Mulligan in competitive play
Mulligans are not allowed in competitive play. If you're playing in an official match or tournament, don't expect any do-overs. Mulligans are not mentioned in the official rules of golf and are against the rules of the game.
However, in amateur events or charity contests, golfers are often afforded a mulligan. If your golfing buddies are in agreement, it may be possible to replay a shot if you have been hit by bad fortune, a sudden spike in the weather, or just by taking an atrocious previous shot.
There are several theories about the origin of the term 'mulligan'. One story says that the first mulligan was an impulsive event where David Bernard Mulligan hit a very long drive off the first tee, just not straight, and acting on impulse, he re-teed and hit again. His partners found it amusing and decided that the shot that Mulligan himself called a 'correction shot' deserved a better name, so they called it a 'mulligan'.
Another theory revolves around John A. "Buddy" Mulligan, a locker room attendant at Essex Fells Country Club in the 1930s. One day, he hit an awful shot and begged his playing partners for a second chance, given that they had been able to practice while he was working.
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Frequently asked questions
A mulligan is a second chance to take a shot, usually after the first shot went wrong. It is not allowed in professional golf or amateur competitions but is common in casual games.
There are several theories. One story claims that the term is named after David Bernard Mulligan, a Canadian golfer who played in the 1920s. After hitting a poor first shot, he took a "correction shot", and his playing partners decided to name it after him. Another theory suggests the name comes from a bartender in New York who frequently gave out free drinks.
Mulligans are typically used for tee shots, but they can also be used for long shots following tee shots. It is considered bad form to take a mulligan close to or on the green.
While mulligans are not mentioned in the official rules of golf, there are some guidelines that players generally follow. It is considered poor golf etiquette to take more than a few mulligans per round, especially if it slows down the pace of play. It is also important to establish the rules with your group before teeing off, as some groups may have different preferences or restrictions.
There is no "correct" number, but it is generally agreed that taking more than one mulligan per hole is excessive. Some groups may allow one mulligan on the front nine and one on the back nine, while others may have different preferences. It is important to communicate and agree on the rules before the round starts.
