Golf fundamentally demands precise skill, endurance, and strict rule-following. But what happens when a perfect drive goes wrong or a straightforward putt doesn’t succeed? In casual games, players often rely on a common tradition: the “mulligan.” This unofficial “second chance” shot, taken without penalties, allows players to reset and can be a real help when playing with friends.
Though the USGA and R&A don’t acknowledge it for official play, as it is prohibited in tournaments or for handicap calculations, the mulligan remains a cherished part of friendly rounds and charity outings. It’s a social construct, really, meant to ease the pain, speed things up, and inject a bit of joy into the game. Knowing the unwritten rules, the history that’s up for debate, and when it’s actually okay to use one can make any relaxed day on the course even better. This guide will cover what is a mulligan in golf, and all the essentials about golf’s most famous non-rule.
What is a Mulligan in Golf?
Golf is a game of patience, accuracy, and the occasional frustration when a shot doesn’t go as planned, which is usually off the tee. But what if you had a chance to do over the shot? That’s where Mulligan enters, and many wonder what is a mulligan in golf; it is an unofficial, casual do-over that allows players to retake a shot without a penalty. While not recognized in tournament or professional play, the mulligan is a staple in friendly rounds, casual betting games, and charity scrambles.
A mulligan can make the whole game much more relaxed and allows you to maintain your sanity when things don’t go according to plan. There are many reasons why mulligans are accepted in casual, friendly gameplay, such as:
- The ball lands in the bunker.
- A terrible tee shot.
- The balls moved into a rough patch or into the woods.
- There is a lost golf shot.
- Or simply an unlucky shot.
Is Mulligan Legal?
Mulligans are a standard and legal part of charity scrambles and casual house play, as they are prohibited in an official tournament or handicapped rounds. While mulligans are not legal under the Rules of Golf, that doesn’t mean their use is not common or popular among recreational golfers. Many amateur players simply play for fun, or participate in charity or playday tournaments, where mulligans may be sold. If mulligans are for sale at a charity event, that means a golfer can purchase, say, two mulligans for a set price each. The sale of a mulligan is sometimes used as an additional fundraiser at a charitable tournament.
Golf Mulligan Rules
The Mulligan is against the rules in golf. That certainly cannot prevent the players from using them when it makes sense. A mulligan is a retake allowed for the golf shots from anywhere on the current hole. However, with the approval of some fellow players, some games allow one mulligan on the front nine and one on the back nine.
Mulligans can be used in certain situations. For instance, let’s say a player is not maintaining a USGA golf handicap in a tournament. In that case, it is allowed to take the edge off by allowing mulligans. The smart way to do this is by getting everyone on the line on the first tee if a golfer permits mulligans, and setting some ground rules. Many golfers grant themselves a mulligan on the first hole if they mishit their opening drive. This is often called a “Breakfast Ball”.
When Do Players Use a Mulligan?
Some of the areas where players mostly use a mulligan:
- Lost Ball: If you can’t find your ball after a reasonable search.
- Bad Tee Shot: When there is a poor drive that goes way off course, or into thick woods.
- Practice: To get a tricky shot or hole, especially in an unfamiliar course.
- Missed Putt: Sometimes used for a terrible first putt on the green.
- Distraction: If you were interrupted unexpectedly during your swing.
How Many Mulligans Are Allowed?
There are no official numbers of mulligans in golf; it’s up to the group you are playing with, but the most common or casual mulligans are one per nine holes, one for the first tee, also known as Breakfast Ball, or a set number per round, often with limitations only off the tee, while in official games, Mulligans are illegal.
Additionally, a golfer cannot have two mulligans on the same hole, but for very casual rounds, some groups might allow unlimited mulligans as long as it doesn’t slow down the pace of the game, and in some charity events, players can purchase a limited number of mulligans to raise extra money for the cause.
Basic Scoring & Score Card Rule
Mulligans in a charity event follow specific house rules for scoring and scorecard maintenance to balance the fundraiser with fair play. Scoring with Mulligans is a replacement of a stroke, a do-over that replaces the original stroke. There are no official scorecard rules for Mulligans, as they are the casual do-overs for bad shots in a friendly game, where the players need to communicate and agree among themselves.
In a casual round, players usually consider the mulligan as if it never occurred when recording a scorecard. As the official stroke, they only note the score of the “second” ball. Regardless of what is stated on the card, it is crucial to remember that this total score cannot be submitted for an official handicap because a mulligan was utilized.
The Origin of the Mulligan
According to the USGA, the exact origin of the mulligan remains debated, but the most popular theory traces back to the 1920s or 1930s at the St. Lambert CC in Montreal, Canada.
David Mulligan
David Mulligan was a hotelier who played golf at St. Lambert. There are also several variations of this story. For the incident, he hit a poor tee shot and called it a correction shot. His fellow partners found it amusing and called this extra shot in his name.
John A. Mulligan
Another theory is about John A Mulligan, affectionately known as ‘Buddy’, who was an attendant at Essex Fells Country Club. After working all morning, he joined the game and had not warmed up, and hit a first bad shot. So he argued with his players and asked for a do-over, since the other had practiced and they agreed and honored him by playing this extra shot in his name.
Other Theories
Yet another theory revolves around an unsavory slur directed towards the increase of Irish players populating American golf courses at the time, when they were considered to be embarrassingly bad at the game. Whatever version you believe, the truth of the matter is that the Mulligan is a powerful unofficial rule by which many players today still stand.
When You Should and Shouldn’t Ask for a Mulligan
A mulligan is an unofficial ‘do-over’ for a poor or blundered golf shot, and its use depends on the social setting and agreement among players. The official rules of golf do not allow a mulligan in the official tournaments, so using them is strictly a matter of etiquette in casual rounds.
Good Times to Use a Mulligan
A mulligan is an ideal setting in casual golf. Think of it as a “breakfast ball” on the first tee, or maybe after something unexpected throws you off, like a loud noise or a misstep. They’re also useful when you’re navigating a new course and accidentally aim for the wrong green, or after a lost ball or a bad shot in a tricky spot, say, a bunker. Just remember to talk it over with your friends first, so everyone’s on the same page, and the game stays enjoyable. It’s best to set some ground rules before you start, since mulligans aren’t really meant for serious play.
When Not to Take One
Some of the key pointers when not to take a mulligan:
- When playing for a score or handicap: Mulligans are not allowed in official scoring or handicap tracking.
- On the green or short game: Bad form is generally considered off-limits unless it’s a truly accidental or a blunder shot.
- When a group is behind you: It slows down the play and inconveniences others.
- If you are already playing well: It can be seen as unsupportive and gives an unfair advantage.
Mulligans in Charity and Scramble Events
Mulligans in charity scramble golf tournaments are unofficial, popular do-overs sold to raise funds, allowing players to re-hit a shot for a better score (or use other perks like string/foot wedges), benefiting the charity. They are typically used on a crucial shot to improve the score, and rules may vary by the event, but often involve buying them before or during the round, with organizers selling them individually or in packages to boost the cause.
Mulligans are common in charity golf scrambles, acting as a key fundraising mechanism. Common rules include:
- Number Per Player: Typically, players are limited to 2-4 mulligans each, or a team of 8-16, to prevent extreme delays in the event while maximizing donations.
- Tee shots only: Some events restricted mulligans to tee shots only.
- Not valid for prize holes unless stated: Mulligans are strictly prohibited on holes designated for specific contests, such as Hole-in-One, Closest to the Pin, or Longest Drive, to provide the integrity of high value rewards.
FAQs
How many mulligans are “normal” in a friendly round?
There’s no hard and fast rule, really. In a friendly round, it’s often one per nine holes, or maybe just one for the entire round. Some groups even stick to one mulligan on the first hole, often just for the tee shot. The important thing is to agree with your friends before you start. Mulligans are meant to be fun and keep the game moving, not to be taken as official. Many groups will let you take one if your first shot is a complete disaster.
Can you take a mulligan on the green?
In a relaxed game of golf, a group might allow a mulligan on the green, though it’s often frowned upon and not the usual practice. Mulligans are typically reserved for a less-than-stellar first tee shot, sometimes called a “breakfast ball,” or a shot that goes awry elsewhere. They’re not permitted in official competitions, so it’s really a matter of what the group agrees to for a bit of fun.
What about a Gilligan in golf?
A Gilligan is essentially the opposite of a Mulligan. It’s an informal, unwritten rule where an opponent can make you replay a good shot. Think of a fantastic drive or a long putt. You’re forced to take the shot again from the same spot. It adds a lively, challenging element to friendly games, but it’s not something you’d do in a formal setting.
Is a mulligan considered cheating in golf?
A mulligan is technically against the official Rules of Golf. It is applied in relaxed settings like friendly games, charity tournaments, and those initial swings on the first tee, all in the name of making the game more enjoyable and less stressful.
What is the difference between a Mulligan and a handicap in golf?
A mulligan is an informal, unofficial “do-over” for a less-than-stellar shot, a clear break from the official rules. A handicap, on the other hand, is a formal system. It calculates a player’s skill level to create a level playing field in competitions, relying on official scores.
