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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, from the pros' point of view, it could be allowed in casual games, of course. When a player calls a mulligan, the retake shot is added to the score. In this article, you will learn the origin and rules of mulligans in golf.
What Is A Mulligan In Golf Terms?
It is commonly used in the sense of "do-over" or "second chance" to attempt to retake an attempt after it went wrong. It provides a player with the ability to re-hit a tee shot, typically with no penalty. This definition is especially relevant to casual or fun contexts, where the match play rules could be less strict than in formal competition.
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The Origin of Mulligan in Golf
According to the United States Golf Association (USGA), David B. Mulligan invented Mulligan in golf. The mulligan practice was named after him when he played out the Country Club of Montreal. Although more details of the term remain a mystery, three potential explanations for David Bernard Mulligan’s story are mentioned below.
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After a poor tee shot, David Bernard Mulligan decided to replay it and called it a “correction shot. His playing mates determined that this practice should be named after him in honour of his idea. When he relocated from Canada to the U.S., Mulligan introduced the concept at Winged Foot, where players have been using ‘The Mulligan’ ever since!
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Mulligan received another opportunity to make amends following a difficult run over Victoria Bridge, when his nerves had shaken him uneasily and made him nervous.
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Mulligan was given an additional tee shot after being late to the course and chasing to ready himself for his tee time.
Another Origin Theory
In the 1930s, John A. Buddy" Mulligan was a locker room attendant at Essex Fells Country Club in New Jersey. He often played 18 holes with Dave O’Connell and Des Sullivan after completing his duties of organising the locker room.
Only by themselves on the course they would enjoy their time together. This is a playful tradition that was a different version which over the years evolved into what today we know as mulligan in the sport of golf!
After striking a dud of a first tee shot, he begged O'Connell and Sullivan to let him take another go of the previous shot as they had been working all morning practicing while he was tied up with work. Having heard this case report, other players soon started giving "Mulligans" to themselves.
Golf Mulligan Rules
Mulligans are against the rules in golf. That, certainly, cannot prevent players from using them, when it makes sense. Before taking a mulligan, it’s important to understand these golf’s six mulligan rules.
1. USGA Rule on Mulligans.
By the Rules of Golf, a player may replay a previous shot from the place of the prior stroke at any moment for one penalty stroke. The only thing that separates this and a mulligan is the number of strokes participants add to their win. When factor in the first stroke you made from that point, playing by the Rules of Golf updates two strokes to the score compared to taking a mulligan.
2. Agree on Mulligans at the First Tee.
Mulligans can be used in certain situations. Let's say a player is not maintaining a USGA handicap playing in a tournament or betting money. In that case, it's okay to take the edge off by allowing mulligans. The smart way to handle this is to get everyone's fine on the first tee if a golfer permits mulligans, and sets some ground rules.
Different groups have varying rules on mulligans. Some let each side take one mulligan, others say it’s right to use mulligans for tee shots, and some allow a "breakfast ball" (a do-over on the first tee shot) plus a set number of extra chances. Choose the rules that suit the group best, and make sure everyone agrees on them.
3. One Mulligan Per Hole.
A golfer cannot have two Mulligans on the same hole, by definition. A mulligan is a retake allowed only for the golf shots from the furthest-out feasible distance from the upcoming hole.
In unofficial golf games, this is the most flexible rule. However, it seems that with the approval of fellow players, it is allowed to apply one Mulligan per front nine and one per back nine. To have more Mulligans in a game, state clearly how many there will be, and everyone's got to agree before the round starts.
4. Handicap or Mulligans: Choose Only One.
If tracking a golf handicap, whether it's an official index through the USGA or using a free app to keep tabs on it, it's time to say bye to mulligans. Scores submitted to official handicaps must follow the Rules of Golf, which we just made clear don't allow for mulligans. Even with an unofficial handicap, it’s worth considering why it's important if recording an accurate score doesn’t make a difference.
5. Milestones and Mulligans.
No golfer wants to return from a great day on the links and announce they've hit a milestone for the first time to add "with two mulligans" as a disclaimer. In case a player is nearing a milestone – breaking 100 because if scoring in the low 90s, there is no need for do-overs. Try to reach that goal without any qualifiers. This rule also applies to the personal best score. If the current "best round ever" includes a few mulligans, think about recording some rounds without mulligans and setting a new standard. Keeping an accurate scorecard provides a much better way to monitor improvement than shooting the lowest round ever with four mulligans and matching that score with three mulligans the following week.
6. Agree To A Reverse Mulligan.
Mulligan will go to the reverse if it results in the mulligan being unfair when others do not need retakes. Any player that makes a mulligan has to make a reverse mulligan which is a forced retake of a successful shot rule.
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When Should You Use A Mulligan?
Each game is different, and it depends on the mood of the people you're playing with. However, certain basic guidelines of etiquette should be followed to make sure that mulligan rules are not giving the opposition an unfair advantage, or compromising your own game.
When the first drive goes out of bounds, it's never fun to start the game that way in a casual round. Having mulligans as an option can make the game more fun for some players, but too many do-overs can take away the challenge and excitement for those who like to compete. Try to strike a balance by saving mulligans for the worst shots or by limiting each player to a certain number of second chances. If a tee shot flies into the trees and nobody sees where it lands, it's a good idea to hit another ball just to be safe.
One tee shot lands in the trees and none of the other play members have observed where it stopped. In this case, playing it safe by hitting another one is a good idea. Still, golfers shouldn't always play the ball as it lies even if that's what the situation calls for. Spending a lot of time trying to get out of the rough just to have fun could ruin the game for everyone instead.
Playing partners can affect the shot. But when playing colleagues get involved in some lighthearted shenanigans, it's fine to foul up a shot with a mulligan.
Conclusion
If you're an experienced golfer or a beginner, knowing what is a mulligan in a golf tournament can make games more fun. The official golf rules don't allow mulligans, but when playing with friends, golfers can be more relaxed. Make sure the group agrees on clear rules so everyone has a good time and enjoys their golf – even if that means taking extra shots! Or, practice more at home or on the driving range so you rarely need a mulligan during a game. Mulligans can give all golfers – no matter how good they are – a chance to have a good time!