What Is a Mulligan in Golf? Complete Guide to Rules, History & Etiquette (2025)

What Is a Mulligan in Golf?

A mulligan in golf is an unofficial “do-over” shot that allows a player to replay a stroke without penalty, typically used in casual rounds when a shot goes poorly. While mulligans are not recognized in official golf rules by the USGA or R&A, they’re widely accepted in friendly games as a way to maintain pace of play and enjoyment.

In golf, what is a mulligan used for? Simply put, it’s a second chance when your first shot doesn’t go as planned. Whether you slice your drive into the woods or chunk your approach shot, a mulligan lets you try again without adding strokes to your scorecard. However, understanding when and how to use mulligans requires knowing the proper etiquette and rules that govern casual play.

The term “mulligan” has become synonymous with getting a second chance, not just in golf but in everyday life. But where did this beloved golf tradition come from, and when is it appropriate to take one? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about mulligans in golf, from their fascinating history to modern-day applications.

For golfers just starting out, understanding basic golf scoring fundamentals can help you appreciate when and why mulligans are used in casual play.

The Complete Definition of a Mulligan in Golf Terms

Basic Mulligan Definition

What a mulligan is in golf goes beyond just a simple “redo.” The term refers to an informal agreement between players that allows someone to retake a shot without counting the original attempt toward their score. This practice exists entirely outside the R&A’s official Rules of Golf and relies on group consensus and sportsmanship.

The etymology of “mulligan” in golf dates back to the early 20th century, though the exact origin remains debated among golf historians. What’s universally agreed upon is that mulligans represent golf’s social side – they prioritize enjoyment and camaraderie over strict rule adherence.

Unlike provisional balls, which are officially sanctioned by golf’s governing bodies, mulligans exist purely in the realm of casual play. They’re a gentleman’s agreement that acknowledges everyone has bad shots and sometimes deserves a second chance.

Mulligan vs. Other Golf Terms

Understanding what a mulligan is in golf requires distinguishing it from similar concepts like provisional balls and breakfast balls, much like learning to differentiate between par, birdie, and bogey scoring in regular play.

Mulligan vs. Provisional Ball: A provisional ball is an official golf rule allowing players to hit another ball when the original might be lost or out of bounds. The provisional follows strict procedures and counts toward your score if needed. A mulligan, conversely, is purely recreational and doesn’t count at all.

Mulligan vs. Breakfast Ball: A breakfast ball is essentially a first-tee mulligan, traditionally offered to players whose opening drive goes awry. The term suggests you haven’t had time to “warm up” after breakfast, hence deserving a practice shot.

Do-Over vs. Mulligan: While often used interchangeably, “do-over” is more generic. A mulligan specifically refers to golf’s version of a second chance, carrying its own etiquette and traditions.

The key distinction is that mulligans are always informal, voluntary, and based on group agreement. They’re never mandated by official rules and shouldn’t be expected as a right.

The Fascinating History and Origin Stories of Golf Mulligans

The David Bernard Mulligan Theory (Most Accepted)

The most widely accepted origin story centers on David Bernard Mulligan, a Canadian golfer who played at St. Lambert Country Club near Montreal in the 1920s, during golf’s rich history of developing colorful scoring terminology. According to Golf.com’s comprehensive investigation into mulligan origins, multiple theories compete for credibility in explaining how this beloved golf tradition began. According to golf folklore, Mulligan was known for his wild driving and would often ask his regular foursome for a “correction shot” after a particularly bad drive.

The story goes that Mulligan’s playing partners grew tired of watching him hack through the woods after errant tee shots. To speed up play and maintain the group’s enjoyment, they began allowing him a second chance off the tee. Word of this practice spread throughout the club, and soon other golfers were requesting their own “Mulligan shots.”

Des Sullivan, a golf historian and author of “The Golf Book,” notes that the practice gained popularity because it addressed a common frustration among amateur golfers: the devastating opening hole that could ruin an entire round’s enjoyment.

Alternative Origin Stories

Thomas Mulligan of Winged Foot: Another theory credits Thomas Mulligan, a locker room attendant at Winged Foot Golf Club in New York during the 1930s. This version suggests that Mulligan was granted extra shots by sympathetic members who appreciated his dedication to the game despite limited playing opportunities.

John “Buddy” Mulligan Theory: Some sources point to John A. “Buddy” Mulligan of Essex Fells Country Club in New Jersey. According to this account, Mulligan earned his nickname by frequently taking second shots during casual rounds in the 1940s.

Regional Variations: Different regions developed their own mulligan folklore, with some Irish-American clubs claiming the term honored immigrants named Mulligan who struggled with the game’s difficulty but maintained infectious enthusiasm for golf.

Historical Timeline of Mulligan Usage

The evolution of mulligan acceptance in golf follows an interesting pattern:

1920s-1930s: Initial informal use in private clubs, primarily in Canada and northeastern United States.

1940s-1950s: Practice spreads to public courses as golf becomes more democratized post-World War II.

1960s-1970s: Mulligans gain widespread acceptance in charity tournaments as fundraising tools.

1980s-Present: Term enters mainstream culture, extending beyond golf to represent second chances in various contexts.

Interested in how golf rules evolved over time? Explore our detailed history of golf rules to understand the sport’s regulatory development.

Official Rules: When Is a Mulligan Legal in Golf?

USGA and R&A Official Position

The United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) are unambiguous about mulligans: they have no place in official golf. The USGA’s Rules of Golf, which govern all sanctioned play worldwide, make no provision for do-over shots outside of specific circumstances like provisional balls or stroke-and-distance relief.

According to USGA guidelines, any shot played counts toward a player’s score, regardless of the outcome. This principle maintains golf’s fundamental challenge and ensures fair competition across all skill levels.

The USGA’s position on handicap calculation is equally clear: rounds that include mulligans cannot be posted for handicap purposes. This rule preserves the integrity of the handicap system by ensuring all posted scores reflect actual playing ability under standard rules.

Mike Davis, former CEO of the USGA, has stated that while the organization understands golf’s social aspects, maintaining rule integrity is essential for the game’s competitive nature and worldwide consistency.

Understanding how your scores affect your handicap? Learn more in our USGA handicap system guide for complete scoring rules.

Tournament Play Restrictions

What is a mulligan in golf tournament play? Simply put, it doesn’t exist. Professional tournaments, from local club championships to major championships, strictly prohibit mulligans. The PGA Tour, European Tour, and all professional circuits operate under the Rules of Golf without exception.

Amateur competitions follow the same standards. United States Golf Association tournaments, state amateur championships, and even club tournaments that use USGA rules cannot permit mulligans while maintaining their sanctioned status.

The penalty for taking an unauthorized mulligan in tournament play is severe: typically disqualification for failing to follow the Rules of Golf. This harsh consequence reflects the importance of rule adherence in competitive golf.

Casual Play Acceptance

Where mulligans find their home is in casual, non-competitive rounds among friends. Here, what is taking a mulligan in golf becomes a matter of group consensus rather than rule adherence. Most recreational golfers view mulligans as enhancing enjoyment without compromising the game’s spirit.

Social golf embraces mulligans because they address common amateur struggles: first-tee nerves, lack of warm-up time, and the frustration of losing golf balls to errant shots. When used sparingly and fairly, mulligans can keep pace of play moving and maintain group harmony.

The key is transparency and mutual agreement. Successful mulligan use requires establishing ground rules before play begins and applying them consistently throughout the round.

Master the social aspects of golf with our comprehensive golf etiquette guide covering everything from mulligans to pace of play.

Types of Mulligans and Variations

Standard Mulligan Rules

The traditional mulligan follows simple principles: when a shot goes poorly, a player may ask the group for permission to replay it without penalty. What is taking a mulligan in golf depends entirely on group dynamics and pre-established agreements.

Common limitations include:

• One per player per round: Most groups allow each player one mulligan during the entire round

• Tee shots only: Many limit mulligans to drives, as these often determine hole success

• No competitive situations: Mulligans typically aren’t allowed during closest-to-pin contests or side bets

• Group approval required: The player must ask permission; mulligans aren’t automatically granted

The standard approach emphasizes fairness and maintains game flow. Experienced golfers often establish these rules on the first tee to avoid confusion later.

The Breakfast Ball Phenomenon

The “breakfast ball” represents golf’s most accepted mulligan variation. This first-tee tradition acknowledges that players haven’t warmed up and deserve a practice shot if their opening drive goes awry, especially important for golfers still developing proper swing fundamentals.

Why is it called a breakfast ball? The term suggests players are still “digesting breakfast” and haven’t fully awakened their golf muscles. This colorful terminology makes the concept more palatable to traditionalists who might otherwise frown upon rule bending.

Breakfast ball etiquette includes:

• First tee only: Limited strictly to the opening hole

• Immediate decision: Must be declared right after the poor shot

• Same conditions: Replayed from the same tee, same tees, same circumstances

• No score counting: The original shot is completely ignored

Many courses tacitly accept breakfast balls, recognizing they speed up play by preventing players from searching for lost balls or playing from difficult positions.

Reverse Mulligan (Gilligan) Explained

What is a reverse mulligan in golf? Also known as a “Gilligan” (after the hapless character from “Gilligan’s Island”), this creative variation requires a player to keep their worst shot instead of their best one.

Here’s how reverse mulligans work:

• Penalty concept: Instead of getting relief from bad shots, players must accept them

• Strategic element: Opponents can force you to keep a surprisingly good shot

• Match play tool: Often used in friendly competitions to level playing fields

• Psychological factor: Creates interesting pressure on every shot

The reverse mulligan adds strategic depth to casual matches. A player might hit a great shot only to have opponents invoke the reverse rule, forcing them to replay and likely achieve a worse result.

Looking to add strategic elements to your casual matches? Explore our golf match play strategies guide for competitive casual golf formats.

Charity Tournament Mulligans

Charity golf tournaments have transformed mulligans into fundraising tools, allowing players to “purchase” additional chances for their favorite causes. According to Golf Digest’s tournament planning guide, selling mulligans at $5-25 each can significantly boost tournament proceeds while enhancing player enjoyment.

Charity mulligan rules often include:

• Pre-purchase required: Players buy mulligans during registration

• Usage limitations: Typically 1-4 mulligans per player, depending on tournament format

• Designated holes: Some events restrict mulligan use to specific holes

• Team formats: Scrambles might allow team mulligans rather than individual ones

Tournament directors appreciate purchased mulligans because they generate additional revenue while enhancing player enjoyment. The psychological effect of “paying for performance” often makes players more willing to attempt aggressive shots.

According to the National Golf Foundation, charity tournaments raising funds through mulligan sales can increase their proceeds by 15-30% compared to entry fees alone.

Disc Golf Mulligans: Rules and Differences

PDGA Official Disc Golf Mulligan Rules

What is a mulligan in disc golf differs significantly from traditional golf applications. The Professional Disc Golf Association’s (PDGA) Official Rules maintains strict competition standards that prohibit mulligans in sanctioned events, similar to ball golf’s approach.

However, disc golf’s casual culture embraces mulligans more openly than traditional golf:

• Learning tool: New players often receive unlimited mulligans while learning

• Course familiarity: First-time players on new courses frequently get “navigation mulligans”

• Equipment adaptation: Trying new discs might warrant practice throws

• Group dynamics: Disc golf’s relaxed atmosphere naturally accommodates second chances

The PDGA recognizes that disc golf’s accessibility depends partly on beginner-friendly practices, though these don’t extend to competitive play.

Disc Golf Mulligan Etiquette

Disc golf mulligan etiquette reflects the sport’s inclusive culture while respecting course conditions and other players:

When to offer mulligans in disc golf:

• New players learning basic throwing techniques

• Dangerous lies that could cause injury

• Equipment malfunction or disc defects

• Unreasonable course conditions (fallen trees, maintenance issues)

Course-specific considerations:

• Busy courses: Limit mulligans to maintain pace of play

• Championship layouts: More restrictive mulligan use on tournament-quality courses

• Beginner-friendly courses: More liberal mulligan acceptance

• Private vs. public: Private courses may have different mulligan cultures

New to disc golf? Start with our comprehensive disc golf beginner guide to understand the sport’s unique culture and rules.

Mulligan Etiquette and Best Practices

When to Ask for a Mulligan

Successful mulligan use requires establishing ground rules before play begins and applying them consistently throughout the round, particularly important when managing pace of play with different group sizes. As outlined in Golf.com’s etiquette guidelines, understanding when and how to ask for mulligans is crucial for maintaining group harmony. The best times to ask include:

Appropriate situations:

• First tee nerves: When opening jitters cause an uncharacteristic poor shot

• Equipment issues: If your club slips or equipment malfunctions

• Obvious fluke: When a good swing produces an inexplicably bad result

• Group consensus: When other players have already taken mulligans

Timing considerations:

• Ask immediately after the poor shot, not after seeing where it lands

• Request permission before playing another ball

• Accept “no” gracefully if the group declines

• Offer reciprocal mulligans to playing partners

Reading the group dynamic:

• Assess the competitive level of the round

• Consider the pace of play situation

• Gauge other players’ attitudes toward mulligans

• Respect established group traditions

The key is humility. Approach mulligan requests as asking for a favor, not demanding a right.

When NOT to Take a Mulligan

Certain situations make mulligan requests inappropriate or counterproductive:

Competitive rounds and tournaments:

• Any event with prizes or formal competition

• Rounds being posted for handicap purposes

• Club tournaments or league play

• When side bets or games are in progress

Pace of play considerations:

• When groups are waiting behind you

• On busy courses during peak times

• If you’ve already taken your allotted mulligans

• When searching for your original ball would be faster

Skill development situations:

• When trying to improve course management

• During practice rounds with specific goals

• When learning to play by the rules

• If mulligans are becoming too frequent

Group dynamics:

• When other players seem frustrated

• If you’ve already asked multiple times

• When the group is maintaining strict rules

• During serious or focused rounds

Group Mulligan Policies

Establishing clear mulligan policies before play prevents confusion and maintains group harmony:

Pre-round discussions should cover:

• Number of mulligans per player (typically 1-2)

• Situations where mulligans are allowed

• Whether purchasing mulligans for charity is permitted

• How mulligans affect side games or bets

Fair application principles:

• Same rules apply to all players equally

• Consistency throughout the entire round

• Clear communication about mulligan use

• Respect for individual player preferences

Group types and typical policies:

• Business golf: Often liberal mulligan policies to maintain relationships

• Buddy trips: Usually very accommodating mulligan approaches

• Mixed skill groups: May allow beginners more mulligans

• Regular foursomes: Often develop their own traditional rules

The Psychology of Mulligans in Golf

Mental Game Impact

The psychological effects of mulligan use in golf create fascinating debates among sports psychologists and teaching professionals. Dr. Bob Rotella, renowned golf psychology expert, suggests that mulligans can both help and harm player development, depending on usage patterns.

Confidence building aspects:

• Mulligans can restore confidence after devastating shots

• They allow players to end holes on positive notes

• New golfers benefit from reduced pressure and fear

• Social golfers maintain enjoyment and group dynamics

Dependency concerns:

• Over-reliance on mulligans can prevent skill development

• Players may become less focused on shot preparation

• Real course management skills might not develop properly

• Pressure handling abilities could remain underdeveloped

Research from the Sports Psychology Institute indicates that golfers who use mulligans frequently in casual play often struggle more in competitive situations where they must learn to recover from bogeys and poor shots without second chances.

Learning vs. Cheating Debate

The educational value of mulligans for beginners creates ongoing discussion in golf instruction circles:

Pro-mulligan arguments:

• Reduces frustration for new players learning the game

• Allows practice of proper techniques during actual play

• Maintains pace of play when beginners struggle

• Builds positive associations with golf participation

Anti-mulligan perspectives:

• Prevents players from learning consequences of poor shots

• Doesn’t teach proper course management and recovery skills

• Creates unrealistic expectations about scoring

• May delay the development of pre-shot routines and focus

PGA Teaching Professional Sarah Johnson notes: “I use mulligans strategically with new students. They’re tools for building confidence, but I gradually reduce them as skills develop. The goal is eventual independence from needing second chances.”

Interested in developing mental toughness on the course? Check out our golf mental game tips for building competitive resilience.

Professional Perspectives on Mulligans

What Pro Golfers Say About Mulligans

Professional golfers maintain interesting perspectives on mulligans, despite never using them in competition:

Tiger Woods once famously said in a Golf Digest interview: “I understand why recreational golfers use mulligans. Golf is hard enough without every bad shot ruining your day. But learning to live with those bad shots is what separates good golfers from great ones.” which is why beginners should focus on fundamentals rather than perfect scoring.

Phil Mickelson has noted: “In casual rounds with friends, I’m all for mulligans. Golf should be fun. But when you’re trying to improve, you need to learn from every shot, good and bad.”

Jordan Spieth commented: “The mental side of golf is about dealing with adversity. Mulligans can prevent you from developing that toughness, but they definitely make the game more enjoyable for most people.”

Career “mulligan” perspectives: Many professionals, when asked about career mulligans, cite specific tournaments or shots they’d like to replay. This humanizes the game’s elite players and acknowledges that everyone experiences regret and wishes for second chances.

Teaching Professional Viewpoints

PGA Teaching Professionals offer balanced perspectives on mulligan use in instruction and casual play:

Instructional applications:

• Used to rebuild confidence after poor technique corrections

• Allowed during lesson play to focus on specific skills

• Gradually reduced as student competency increases

• Never used when teaching rules or competitive preparation

Recreational golf philosophy: Most teaching professionals support reasonable mulligan use in social golf while emphasizing the importance of understanding when they’re inappropriate.

Master Professional Jim McLean states: “Mulligans have their place in recreational golf. The key is using them as tools for enjoyment, not crutches for poor preparation or technique.”

Mulligans and Your Golf Handicap

USGA Handicapping Rules

The USGA maintains strict standards regarding mulligan rounds and handicap calculation, as any round that includes mulligans cannot be posted for official handicap purposes. According to the USGA’s Handicapping guidelines, any round that includes mulligans cannot be posted for handicap purposes, regardless of how well you might have played otherwise. Any round that includes mulligans cannot be posted for handicap purposes, regardless of how well you might have played otherwise.

Key handicapping principles:

• All shots played must count toward your score

• Mulligans violate the fundamental scoring requirements

• Even “casual” mulligans disqualify rounds for handicap posting

• Alternative scoring methods (like Equitable Stroke Control) are acceptable, but mulligans are not

The World Handicap System, implemented globally in 2020, maintains these standards across all participating countries and golf associations.

Impact on handicap accuracy: Players who frequently use mulligans in casual play may develop artificially low handicaps if they occasionally post scores from non-mulligan rounds, making it important to understand how handicaps actually work and proper score posting procedures. This creates problems when they participate in competitive events using handicap-based formats.

Need help understanding how to properly calculate and maintain your handicap? Visit our detailed golf handicap calculation guide for complete USGA guidelines.

Tracking Improvement Without Official Scoring

Golfers who enjoy using mulligans can still track their improvement through alternative methods:

Practice round tracking:

• Record both original and mulligan scores separately

• Track trends in shot-making and course management

• Monitor which situations most commonly require mulligans

• Use data to identify areas needing practice focus

Alternative scoring systems:

• Modified Stableford formats that limit hole scores

• Best-ball scoring among group members

• Net scoring using established handicaps

• Fun formats that don’t require strict rule adherence

These methods allow enjoyment of mulligans while maintaining awareness of actual scoring trends and skill development needs.

Conclusion

Understanding what is a mulligan in golf reveals much about the sport’s unique blend of tradition, competition, and social enjoyment. While mulligans have no place in official rules or competitive play, they serve an important role in recreational golf by maintaining pace, building confidence, and fostering the camaraderie that keeps millions of golfers coming back to the course.

The key to successful mulligan use lies in understanding context, respecting group dynamics, and applying them fairly and sparingly. Whether you’re enjoying a breakfast ball on the first tee, purchasing charity mulligans at a fundraising tournament, or trying the strategic complexity of reverse mulligans with friends, these informal traditions represent golf’s human side.

As you develop as a golfer, consider mulligans as tools rather than crutches. They can enhance enjoyment and learning when used appropriately, but over-dependence can prevent the skill development and mental toughness that make golf rewarding in the long term.

Remember that golf’s greatest lessons often come from our worst shots. While mulligans offer temporary relief from poor execution, the game’s true satisfaction comes from learning to navigate challenges, recover from mistakes, and gradually improve through experience – both good and bad.

The next time you step onto the first tee, you’ll know exactly when and how to use mulligans appropriately, ensuring they enhance rather than detract from your golfing experience and that of your playing partners.