What is a Mulligan in Golf?

Golf is a sport that blends precision, patience, and integrity, where each stroke counts toward the final score. However, even the most experienced players occasionally make a poor shot right off the tee or misjudge a swing entirely. In friendly rounds, this is where the concept of a “mulligan” comes in. A mulligan is an informal do-over—a second chance to take the same shot again without penalty, and unlike an official replay, a mulligan does not incur a penalty stroke. In informal play, mulligans are commonly used to keep the game relaxed and enjoyable. Although it’s not recognized in official play, the mulligan has become a familiar part of casual golf culture, representing forgiveness, camaraderie, and the lighthearted side of the game. Mulligan refers to a second chance in golf and is also used in other games and contexts.

The Origin of the Mulligan

The exact origins of the mulligan are somewhat unclear, but several popular stories surround its creation. One account attributes the term to a Canadian golfer, one David Bernard Mulligan (sometimes called David Bernard Mulligan), who, in the 1920s, reportedly re-hit a poor tee shot during a friendly game at Lambert Country Club in Quebec. In one version, a bumpy drive over the Victoria Bridge left Mulligan flustered, and his friends allowed him a second chance shot. The United States Golf Association has documented multiple versions of this story, highlighting Mulligan's association with the origin of the term.

Another prominent origin story centers on John A. 'Buddy' Mulligan, a locker room attendant at Essex Fells Country Club (also known as Fells Country Club) in New Jersey during the 1930s. After work, Mulligan would play golf with colleagues in the locker room area, and the practice of giving a second shot began there. Des Sullivan, a golf editor for the Newark Evening News, and Dave O'Connell were involved in popularizing the term; Sullivan began recounting the story in golf journalism, further spreading its use. The connection between the locker room, the role of the locker room attendant, and the Essex Fells Country Club is often cited as a key part of the term's history.

Over time, the term “mulligan” spread through North American golf circles, eventually becoming a widely accepted tradition in casual rounds. While its true beginnings remain uncertain, its spirit—offering a second chance—perfectly captures the essence of friendly competition.

Types of Mulligans

Mulligans in golf come in several forms, each with its own unique place in the game. Here are some of the most common types you’ll encounter on the golf course:

Breakfast Ball: This is perhaps the most famous type of mulligan, taken on the very first tee shot of the day. Many golfers, especially during a casual round, allow themselves a “breakfast ball” to shake off nerves or a poor warm-up. It’s a friendly way to start the game on the right foot, especially if your opening tee shot goes awry.
Correction Shot: Sometimes, a mulligan is used as a correction shot after a particularly bad swing. If a player hits a poor shot—like a slice into the woods or a topped ball off the tee—playing partners may agree to let them replay the shot without penalty, keeping the game fun and stress-free.
Charity Mulligan: In charity golf tournaments, mulligans are often sold as part of fundraising efforts. Players can purchase the right to take an extra shot during the round, with proceeds going to a good cause. This adds a lighthearted twist to the competition and encourages more participation.
Casual Mulligan: During casual play, groups may agree to allow a certain number of mulligans per round. These are typically discussed before tee time, ensuring everyone is on the same page. It’s a great way to keep the game enjoyable, especially for newer players or those just out for a relaxed day on the course.
Tournament Mulligan: While not part of official rules, some fun-focused golf tournaments allow players to buy or earn mulligans before the game starts. These extra shots can be used strategically, but always within the guidelines set by the event organizers.

No matter the type, mulligans are all about making the golf game more enjoyable and inclusive, whether you’re on the first tee, facing a tough shot, or playing in a charity event with friends and fellow players.

When Mulligans Are Used

Mulligans are typically reserved for informal play, where groups may allow mulligans by mutual agreement, rather than tournaments or competitive rounds. Players might allow one mulligan per nine holes, or simply agree to a single redo for each player during a friendly match. Most often, mulligans are used after a poor tee shot—when a player slices the ball out of bounds, tops it off the tee, or sends it into the water on the first shot. Allowing mulligans gives players a chance shot to recover from a bad first shot. A mulligan lets a player replay their previous shot, often by being re-teed after a poor first shot. The purpose is to maintain pace and enjoyment, especially for less experienced players. It provides an opportunity to start fresh without dwelling on a bad shot.

Mulligans and Golf Etiquette

While mulligans are common in social games, proper etiquette requires that all players agree beforehand. Since a mulligan alters the standard scoring rules, it’s important for the group to establish how and when they’re allowed before the round begins. Using one without consensus can disrupt fairness and create confusion about scoring. In fact, using too many mulligans or not following agreed-upon mulligan rules can create an unfair advantage, undermining the integrity of the game. To ensure fairness and avoid disputes, clear mulligan rules should be established before play. Good sportsmanship also means using mulligans sparingly; their intention is to promote enjoyment, not to erase every mistake. Most golfers view them as a friendly courtesy rather than a regular feature of play.

Not Allowed in Official Play

In official golf tournaments or any play governed by the formal rules of golf, as defined by the USGA rule, mulligans are not permitted. Every stroke must be counted, and a redo would violate the integrity of the scorecard. Under golf's official rules, replaying a shot would result in one penalty stroke or even two strokes, depending on the situation, and these penalties are recorded for official handicaps maintained by recognized organizations. Competitive golf relies on precision, consistency, and honesty, which means accepting both good and bad shots. Even in local club tournaments or league play, mulligans are prohibited unless the event explicitly designates a “mulligan fundraiser,” where players can purchase a limited number for charity. Otherwise, using one during competitive play would result in disqualification or score penalties.

The Psychology Behind the Mulligan

Beyond the physical act of taking another swing, the mulligan carries a psychological benefit. Golf can be mentally demanding, and one bad shot early in a round can easily shake a player’s confidence. The chance to take a mulligan can relieve tension, reset focus, and restore composure. This small gesture encourages players to approach the next shot with a positive mindset rather than frustration. It’s one reason mulligans are often viewed as an important part of keeping casual rounds fun and relaxed.

How Mulligans Reflect Golf’s Social Side

Golf is as much a social experience as it is a sport. The game’s etiquette, conversations, and unspoken courtesies build camaraderie among players. Allowing a mulligan embodies that spirit of good fellowship. It shows understanding, patience, and a shared desire for everyone to enjoy the day. Many groups have their own playful traditions—such as granting only a “breakfast ball” on the first hole or allowing one mulligan per round. These customs vary, but they all emphasize connection over competition.

Mulligans in Charity and Corporate Events

In a charity golf tournament or corporate outing, mulligans often serve a different purpose. Organizers may sell mulligans to participants as part of a fundraising effort, helping to raise more money for the cause or organization. For these events, the mulligan becomes a fun and lighthearted way to encourage donations while keeping the game accessible for players of all skill levels. Participants can also use a free app to track their scores or donations during the event, making it easier to monitor progress and contributions. This approach balances competition with enjoyment, allowing participants to focus on camaraderie and the event’s charitable mission rather than perfect performance.

The Limits of a Mulligan

Even in casual play, most golfers agree that a mulligan should only be used immediately after the original shot and never multiple times in succession. Most groups only allow a few mulligans per round, and some may permit two mulligans or even more mulligans in very relaxed games. However, using four mulligans or more is generally discouraged to maintain the challenge and integrity of the game. Taking advantage of the concept defeats its purpose, which is to provide a single opportunity for redemption. Proper use of a mulligan means acknowledging that mistakes are part of the game but giving oneself a brief moment of grace. Golf’s enduring appeal lies in its challenge, and while mulligans soften that challenge, they should never replace it entirely.

Scoring a Mulligan

Since mulligans aren’t recognized by the official rules of golf, how they’re scored is usually up to the group. In casual play, there are a few common approaches to keeping score when a mulligan is taken:

No Penalty: The most popular method is to simply ignore the first, poor shot and count the second shot as if it were the only one played. This keeps the scorecard clean and lets the player move on without penalty.
Informal Scoring: Some groups like to keep track of mulligans for fun, marking them on the scorecard or just noting them among playing partners. While these shots don’t count toward the official score, it can be a way to see how many “do overs” were used during the round.
Agreed-Upon Scoring: Occasionally, playing partners will agree to a specific way of scoring mulligans, such as always taking the better of the two shots or limiting the number of mulligans per round. The key is that everyone agrees on the approach before play begins, ensuring fairness and a smooth game.

Ultimately, scoring a mulligan is about keeping the spirit of the game intact while allowing for a little extra fun. As long as all players are on board, mulligans can be a great way to enjoy a round of golf without getting bogged down by a single bad shot.

Teaching Value Through Mulligans

For beginners, mulligans can be valuable teaching moments. A redo offers the chance to adjust technique, rethink alignment, or apply feedback from a coach or playing partner. By using a mulligan, beginners can focus on improving their shooting technique and better understand how to achieve lower scores in future rounds. Instead of becoming discouraged by a poor swing, a new player can use the second attempt to understand what went wrong and how to improve. This helps cultivate patience and reinforces the idea that progress in golf comes from observation and refinement rather than perfection.

Common Misconceptions About Mulligans

There are plenty of myths and misunderstandings about mulligans in golf. Let’s clear up some of the most common ones:

Mulligans are Officially Recognized: Despite their popularity in casual play, mulligans are not part of the official rules of golf. They’re only allowed in friendly games or special golf tournaments where the rules are relaxed.
Mulligans can be Taken on Any Shot: While it’s technically possible to take a mulligan on any shot, they’re most often used for tee shots—especially the first tee shot of the day. Most groups limit their use to avoid confusion and keep the game moving.
Mulligans are Only for Beginners: Mulligans aren’t just for new golfers. Even experienced players enjoy the occasional do-over, especially when a terrible tee shot or a bit of bad luck strikes. It’s all about making the game more enjoyable for everyone.
Too Many Mulligans Slow Down Play: While taking too many mulligans can drag out a round, a few well-timed do-overs can actually speed things up. For example, allowing a mulligan after a lost ball can prevent long searches and keep the pace brisk.
Mulligans are Against the Spirit of the Game: In reality, mulligans are a beloved part of casual golf, helping to reduce frustration and promote camaraderie among playing partners. As long as everyone agrees and they’re used fairly, mulligans can enhance the enjoyment of the game without undermining its integrity.

Understanding the real role of mulligans helps golfers of all levels enjoy their time on the course, whether they’re playing a serious match or just out for a fun, relaxed round.

Conclusion

A mulligan in golf is an informal do-over—a lighthearted allowance for players to retake a shot without penalty. Though not recognized in official play, it remains a cherished tradition in friendly games, symbolizing camaraderie, fairness, and forgiveness. Whether called a “breakfast ball” on the first tee or a simple redo after a rough shot, the mulligan captures the human side of golf: the understanding that everyone deserves a second chance. Used thoughtfully and respectfully, it keeps the spirit of the game fun, social, and inclusive for players of all levels.

FAQs

Is a mulligan allowed in official golf tournaments?

No, mulligans are not permitted in any form of official or competitive golf governed by standard rules.

Why is it called a mulligan?

The term likely originated from a golfer named David Mulligan in the early twentieth century, who was granted a second shot by his friends after a poor drive.

How many mulligans are typically allowed in a casual game?

That depends on the group, but most players allow one mulligan per round or only on the first hole as a friendly gesture.

Can you use a mulligan on the putting green?

While uncommon, some groups allow it in casual rounds, though most limit mulligans to tee shots or long fairway shots.

What is the purpose of a mulligan?

A mulligan provides a second chance for fun and relaxation, helping players enjoy the game without the frustration of an early mistake.

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