Mulligan in golf

What is a mulligan in golf?

The mulligan is a second chance: after a bad shot, the player places another ball in the same spot and plays again, as if the first shot had never happened. The player does not count it and does not add any penalty strokes.

The most common case is the first race of the day: A missed drive on the 1st hole—played without warming up—is replayed “just for fun.” Some groups allow one mulligan per nine holes, others just one per round, and still others none at all. There is no official rule on the subject, since the Rules of Golf make no mention of this practice.

Is the mulligan allowed under the Rules of Golf?

No. In a round played according to the Rules of Golf, every stroke counts. It is never possible to replay a stroke without penalty.

What the Rules allow is the Clearance, Shot, and Distance (Rule 18.1): At any time, a player may replay from the spot of his previous stroke, but adding a one-stroke penalty. Specifically, if you replay your drive, the first ball is no longer in play, and you play your third shot, not your first one.

In a tournament, two players who agree to grant each other mulligans—knowing that the Rules prohibit this—are subject to disqualification (Rule 1.3b): You cannot decide among yourselves to ignore a rule.

Mulligan and provisional ball: What's the difference?

Both involve playing again from the same spot, but they're completely different:

• The Provisional Ball is provided for in the Rules (Rule 18.3). It must be announced before the shot is played, when the first ball is likely to be lost or out of bounds. If the original ball is found in play, play continues with it, and the provisional ball is abandoned. Otherwise, play continues with the provisional ball, with a one-stroke penalty and distance penalty.
• The Mulligan simply cancels the first move, without penalty, and is used only in friendly games.

Does a score with mulligans count toward the handicap?

No. The scores used to calculate your handicap must be played in accordance with the Rules of Golf. A round in which you replayed shots without penalty does not reflect your true skill level and should not be recorded. If you want a friendly round to count, play it without mulligans and count all your strokes.

When can you take a mulligan?

• In a casual round, provided that all players in the group agree before departure.
• When the course isn't busy: Replaying a move takes time, and maintaining a steady pace is part of proper etiquette. If there's a group waiting behind you, it's best to refrain from doing so.
• To learn: A beginner who replays a failed move to get it right is making progress, as long as the score isn't counted as an actual score.

Some charity tournaments or team formats allow mulligans under their own rules. In such cases, this is a tournament rule, not a golf rule.

Where does the word “mulligan” come from?

The word most likely comes from a last name, Mulligan. English dictionaries remain cautious: several stories circulate about the player who is said to have given his name to the practice, though none have been proven. The term is attested in the American press in the early 1930s.