
What is the origin of the term “mulligan” in golf?
Apr 23, 2018 · A mulligan, most simply put, is a "do-over" in golf. Hit a bad shot? Take a mulligan and replay that stroke. Drop a ball on the spot from which you just played, and re-play. The first (bad) shot is not counted.
What are the pros and cons of a Mulligan in golf?
Oct 19, 2020 · A mulligan is a stroke in golf that is played from the same spot that a player hit their previous stroke, looking to re-do the prior shot …
How do you use a mulligan card in golf?
Jan 11, 2022 · A mulligan is an extra shot someone can take when they mess up and when everyone agrees on how many you can take. Since a mulligan is not part of the official rules of golf, you don’t penalize the player for taking it during a casual round of golf. The mulligan essentially wipes away the previous shot as if nothing happened.
Why do they call it'taking a mulligan'?
A Golf Mulligan is a special animal created only for golfers, wanna be golfers, or those of us who think we are golfers. A mulligan in golf is a special occurrence helping to alleviate the stress of all levels of players. It is a very important concept used to …

How many mulligans are allowed in golf?
How does a mulligan work in golf?
Why is a golf shot called a mulligan?
What does giving someone a mulligan mean?
Is it OK to take a mulligan?
How many strokes is a mulligan?
Why is golf named after birds?
What does the letters in golf stand for?
Is a mulligan real?
Where did the phrase mulligan come from?
What is a bogey in golf?
What is a mulligan in golf?
A mulligan is a stroke in golf that is played from the same spot that a player hit their previous stroke, looking to re-do the prior shot without penalty. In other words, golfers use mulligans to wipe out the previous shot and consider it to have never counted. It's a do-over.
What is a do over in golf?
In golf, golfers hit a lot of shots they wish they could have back. Some are particularly bad. Golfers have come up with a do-over of sorts, called a mulligan, that allows them to get another try at the shots they wish they could hit again.
Can you replay a shot in golf?
There is no situation in which a player can replay a shot in golf except when a player declares a provisional ball. A provisional ball is played by a player when they have reason to believe the ball they just hit is lost or will not be able to be played from a penalty area (hazard).
What is a mulligan in golf?
A mulligan in golf is a special occurrence offering you a second chance to clear your psyche, alleviate stress, save your sanity, and bolster self-esteem. The reverse of a mulligan is a “ gilligan ” whereby your opponent can request you to replay a successful stroke.
Where did the term "mulligan" come from?
The origins of the term mulligan are unclear but there are a few theories. According to the United States Golf Association (USGA), it is named after a Canadian golfer who played out of the Country Club of Montreal during the 1920s, David B. Mulligan (1869-1954). The exact circumstances are unknown but the 3 possibilities ...
Who is Nick Lomas?
Nick Lomas is the founder of GolfSpan, an avid golfer, not quite a pro but has over 15-years of experience playing and coaching golfers from all over the world. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience then it comes to choosing the right golf gear, and finding the right set up for your game.
What is a mulligan in golf?
A mulligan in golf is a do-over—a shot that the golfer replays. Mulligans are never allowed under the rules, but informally many golfers allow them (at least on the first tee). Let's take a look at some of those origin stories for "mulligan.". Just keep in mind that it's possible that none of them are true!
What is the origin of the term "mulligan"?
The origins of "mulligan" as a golf term are, as the Historical Dictionary of Golfing Terms put it, "obscure.". There are multiple theories, the most plausible of which involve golfers named Mulligan. What we can say for sure is that mulligan's golf use, relative to many golf words, is fairly new. The term was in use on golf courses by at least ...
Where did the name Mulligan come from?
Mulligan probably originated when the golf do-over was christened mulligan after the name of a golfer who kept replaying shots. That's the most likely explanation, and according to Occam's Razor the simplest explanation is more likely to be the true one.
What is a mulligan in golf?
The basic definition of mulligan, a term most associated with golf, is a "do-over," a second try after your first has gone awry. Every weekend golfer has taken a few mulligans in their lifetime, and there's no shame in that.
How many sides are there in a story?
As the old saying goes, there are three sides to every story: your side, their side, and the truth somewhere in the middle. When it comes to the origin story of the term "mulligan," there are three sides, though no one knows for sure which one is true.
What is a mulligan in golf?
A mulligan is a golf term that only applies to recreational golfers. Sometimes (and sometimes often) amateur players will hit a poor drive on the 1st hole, whether it is due to nerves or failing to warm up properly.
What is a handicap in golf?
Handicap: A handicap is a measurement of the average number of strokes over par a particular golfer makes during a round on an average golf course. So, a person with a handicap of 15 is expected to shoot a score of 87 on a par-72 golf course of average difficulty. A 5-handicapper is expected to shoot a 77 on the same course.
What is par in golf?
All three of these golf terms refer to scoring. “Par” represents the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to make on the hole or course. Every golf hole has a “par” assigned to it. Most holes are either a par 3, par 4, or par 5. On a par 4, an expert golfer is expected to take 4 strokes to get his ball in the hole.
Why do you yell "fore"?
But if you hit a wild shot that flies toward golfers on other holes, bystanders, or spectators, you must yell “fore” loudly to warn them about the incoming ball. Like many other golf terms, the origin of “fore” is not entirely known.
What is a forecaddie in golf?
Some think it comes from the golf term “forecaddie”, which is a person that stands in a forward position on each golf hole to pinpoint where the players’ balls go. “Forecaddies” are often in the line of fire and need to be warned when a ball is flying toward them.
Where are links golf courses located?
Links courses are also usually located on ocean coasts, where strong, changing winds play a major factor. “Links” golf courses began in Scotland with the very first golf courses ever built.
What is an albatross in golf?
One of the best golf terms around, “albatross” refers to when a player uses three fewer strokes on a hole than the par for that hole. There are only two ways to make an “albatross”. First, you can hit your second shot in the hole on a par-5. Second, you can make a hole-in-one on a par-4.

Mulligan – The Origins
What Exactly Is A Mulligan?
- A mulligan enables you to replay a shot from the spot of the previous stroke without penalty. This can be allowed in friendly games due to a poor stroke on the previous stroke. This practice in casual play can speed up play and reduce the time used for searching for a lost ball. All members of the group must unanimously agree to the use of mulligan...
The Stigma Attached to Mulligans
- The mulligan is not a practice that is too widely accepted, and some gofers are highly offended if you even dare to mention the word in general conversation. Jon Tattersall, the Atlanta-based GOLF Top 100 instructor, said “a roving mulligan is just ‘taking the piss,’ as we say in England. At that point, you are not playing, you’re practicing.” He added “It can be helpful to get into the habit …
The Right and Wrong Time to Ask For A Mulligan
- A good guide for allowing a mulligan is when a golfer drives his tee shot off the first tee out of bounds. Mulligans can make things more enjoyable for some but allowing too many mulligans can strip the stakes and enjoyment of the game for competitive-minded players. Do not make use of a mulligan when it affects your pace negatively, or the group behind you are playing faster tha…