What Is A Mulligan In Golf? A Guide To Rules & Origin

Ever wished you could just have a do-over on that first disastrous tee shot? If you’ve ever duffed a drive or sent a ball sailing out of bounds, you’ve probably wondered if there’s a way to simply try again without ruining your score. This common frustration is exactly what the concept of a “mulligan” in golf was created to solve.

A “mulligan” in golf is an informal, unpenalized do-over shot, taken after a player hits a poor first shot. It is used in casual play to increase enjoyment and is not permitted under the official rules of golf.

Leveraging extensive analysis of golf’s informal traditions and official rulebooks, this guide unpacks the complete story behind this popular term. We’ll explore exactly what a mulligan is, the unwritten rules for using one, its debated origins, and how it differs from official procedures. You’ll learn everything you need to know to navigate what is arguably golf’s most famous “unofficial” rule.

Key Facts

Not in the Rulebook: A mulligan is strictly an informal practice and is not recognized or permitted in the official Rules of Golf; using one in a competition can lead to disqualification.
Origin Debate: The term’s origin is widely disputed, but the United States Golf Association (USGA) supports the theory that it came from a Canadian golfer named David Bernard Mulligan in the 1920s.
Charity Fundraising: In charity golf tournaments, mulligans are frequently sold to participants as a popular and effective way to raise money for the cause.
Handicap Invalidation: Scores from rounds where mulligans were used are not valid for posting to an official golf handicap, as they do not represent a player’s true ability.
Common on the Tee: While a group can agree to allow a mulligan on any shot, it is most commonly taken on the tee shot, particularly the very first drive of the day, which is often called a “breakfast ball.”

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What Is a Mulligan in Golf? A Simple Definition

Think of it as a “get out of jail free” card for a single bad swing. When you take a what is mulligan golf shot, you completely disregard the first errant ball and its stroke, playing the second ball as if the first never happened. There is no penalty, and it doesn’t count toward your final score for the hole.

A mulligan is simply a second chance shot when a golfer has hit a poor tee shot that they would rather forget! During an informal and friendly game of golf, there is no penalty for performing one.

The primary purpose of a mulligan isn’t to cheat, but to enhance the experience of a casual round. It serves several friendly functions:
* Speeds Up Play: Instead of spending five frustrating minutes searching for a lost ball in the woods, a quick mulligan gets the game moving again.
* Reduces Frustration: Hitting a terrible first shot can sour a player’s mood. A mulligan offers a mental reset and keeps the game fun.
* Increases Enjoyment: For beginners or high-handicap players, a second chance can make the difference between a miserable day and an enjoyable one.

The Unwritten Rules: When and How to Use a Mulligan

While a what is mulligan golf shot is informal, it’s not a free-for-all. There is an established etiquette to using them that helps prevent disputes and keeps the game fair and enjoyable for everyone in the group. Think of these as the “unwritten rules” of the do-over.

Pro Tip: To avoid any arguments, decide with your group on the first tee how many mulligans (if any) are allowed per person, per nine, or for the whole round.

Here is the accepted process for using a mulligan in a casual round:

Agree Before Play: This is the most important rule. The terms of any mulligans must be established by group agreement before the round starts. Decide as a group if mulligans are allowed and, if so, how many. Common agreements are one per person for the front nine and one for the back nine, or just one per round.
Define the Limits: The group should clarify where mulligans can be used. The most common allowance is for the tee shot only. It’s much less common to allow mulligans for approach shots, chips, or putts, but if the group agrees, anything is possible.
Announce Your Mulligan: If you hit a bad shot and decide to use your mulligan, you should clearly announce it to your playing partners. Simply say, “I’m taking a mulligan,” before you hit your next shot.
Play the Second Ball: Once you declare your mulligan, you are committed to the result of the second shot, even if it’s worse than the first. The first ball is considered out of play and should be picked up. You play the second ball without any penalty.

Mulligans are also a staple of charity golf tournaments. In this context, they are often sold to players before the round, with the proceeds going directly to the charity. It’s a fun way to encourage donations while giving players a little help on the course.

The Great Debate: Where Did the Term “Mulligan” Come From?

The mulligan golf term origin is one of the game’s most enduring mysteries, with a few colorful stories competing for the title of the true source. While we may never know for certain, most theories point to a real person named Mulligan in the early 20th century.

Quick Fact: While we may never know the one true origin, the most cited story credits Canadian golfer David Bernard Mulligan for taking a ‘correction shot’ in the 1920s.

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular origin stories and the evidence behind them.

Theory Proponent	The Story in Brief	Supporting Source(s)
David Bernard Mulligan	A Canadian golfer in the 1920s who, after a poor first shot, re-teed and hit a “correction shot.” His friends named the practice after him.	USGA Museum
John A. “Buddy” Mulligan	A locker room attendant in the 1930s who would play with members and grant himself an extra shot, which was popularized by a reporter in his group.	Widely circulated story
“Swat Mulligan”	A fictional baseball player from sports writing. The term “take a mulligan” may have meant “take a big swing” before evolving its meaning.	2017 blog post by Peter Reitan

The David Mulligan Stories

The most widely accepted theory, and the one supported by the USGA Museum, centers on David Bernard Mulligan, a prominent Canadian hotelier and golfer. However, even within this theory, there are three distinct versions of how it happened:

The “Correction Shot”: In the most common telling, Mulligan hit a dreadful tee shot while playing with his friends. He was so displeased that he immediately re-teed his ball, declaring he was taking a “correction shot.” His playing partners were amused and the name stuck.
The Bumpy Bridge Ride: Another version claims Mulligan’s foursome had a shaky car ride to the course over Montreal’s Victoria Bridge. When he arrived at the first tee, he was still jumpy and hit a bad shot. His friends, feeling sympathetic, granted him an extra shot.
The Rushed Arrival: A third story suggests Mulligan overslept, rushed to make his tee time without warming up, and predictably hit a poor drive. Because he was flustered, his group allowed him a do-over.

Mulligan vs. The Official Rules of Golf: A Clear Distinction

This is the most critical point for any golfer to understand: a what is mulligan golf shot is fundamentally incompatible with the official Rules of Golf. They are strictly forbidden in any formal competition, from a local club championship to a professional tournament.

Using a mulligan in a tournament where rules are being enforced can lead to serious penalties, including disqualification. The official way to handle a lost or out-of-bounds shot is to replay the stroke under the “stroke-and-distance” rule, which comes with a one-stroke penalty.

Here is a clear comparison between the informal mulligan and the official rule:

Feature	Mulligan (Informal)	Official Rule (Stroke-and-Distance)
Penalty	None. The first shot is ignored.	One-stroke penalty.
Score Impact	The re-shot is played as if it were the first.	The penalty stroke is added to your score.
Permitted In	Casual rounds, charity events, by group agreement.	All official competitions and rounds played by the Rules of Golf.

In short, if you are playing for a prize, for a handicap score, or in any event governed by the rules, the mulligan is not an option.

Related Golf Slang: “Breakfast Ball” and the “Gilligan”

The informal language of golf is rich with slang, and the mulligan has inspired a few related terms. Understanding these will make you sound like a seasoned player during your next casual round.

Breakfast Ball

Breakfast Ball: A mulligan used exclusively on the first tee shot of the day. This term is born from the common struggle with “first tee jitters” or not being properly warmed up, as if you’re hitting the shot right after breakfast.

Gilligan

Gilligan: The opposite of a mulligan, where an opponent or playing partner maliciously makes you replay a successful stroke. If you drain a 40-foot putt, a friend might jokingly call for a “Gilligan,” forcing you to try the difficult shot again. It’s purely a friendly taunt and not a common practice.

For golfers looking to improve their consistency and reduce the need for a friendly mulligan, using quality practice balls to warm up can make a huge difference.

FAQs About Mulligans in Golf

Many golfers, especially those new to the game, have questions about the specifics of the mulligan. Here are direct answers to the most common queries.

How many mulligans are allowed in golf?

There is no official rule. The number of mulligans is determined by pre-round agreement among the players in a casual game. Common customs include one per round or one per nine holes. In some friendly games, the number is unlimited, but the most common practice is to set a specific limit before teeing off.

What is the mulligan rule in golf?

There is no official “mulligan rule” in the Rules of Golf. The “rule” is an informal agreement made between players in a friendly match, where the first poor shot is ignored and not counted. It’s a gentleman’s agreement, not a formal regulation.

Does taking a mulligan affect my golf handicap?

Yes. If you are tracking a score for an official handicap, you cannot use mulligans. A score that was aided by one or more mulligans does not reflect your true ability and is not valid for handicap purposes. To post an official score, every stroke must be counted according to the Rules of Golf.

Can you take a mulligan on any shot, like a putt?

While most commonly used for tee shots, a group can agree to allow mulligans on other shots like approaches or even putts. However, this is far less common. The standard informal rule limits the mulligan to the tee box, but ultimately, it comes down to whatever your specific group agrees upon before playing.

Final Summary: Embracing the Spirit of the Mulligan

The what is mulligan golf concept is a cherished tradition that embodies the friendly, social spirit of the game. While it has no place in the formal, competitive world of golf, it plays a vital role in making casual rounds more enjoyable, faster, and less frustrating for millions of players around the world. From its debated origins with a Canadian golfer to its modern-day use in charity events, the mulligan is a testament to golf’s unwritten rules of fun and camaraderie.

To recap the most important points:
* A mulligan is an unpenalized “do-over” shot used only in informal, friendly games of golf.
* It is strictly prohibited by the official Rules of Golf and cannot be used in competitions or for handicap scoring.
* The most common custom is to agree on a set number of mulligans (e.g., one per nine) before the round begins.
* Its origin is most famously attributed to David Mulligan, who took a “correction shot” in the 1920s.

Now that you know the ins and outs, go enjoy your next casual round and don’t be afraid to agree on a friendly mulligan

Last update on 2025-07-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What Is a Mulligan in Golf? A Guide to Rules & Origin