where did the term mulligan come from in golf

Who invented the Mulligan in golf?

There are a variety of stories that look to explain the origin of the mulligan. One popular story attributes Canadian golfer David B. Mulligan as inventing the term. Playing at the Country Club of Montreal in the 1920s, Mulligan re-teed and hit another ball after a poor shot.

What is the origin of the term mulligan?

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).

What is the reverse of a Mulligan in golf?

The reverse of a mulligan is a “ gilligan ” whereby your opponent can request you to replay a successful stroke. Mulligans can only be played on tee shots and sometimes the members of a group can agree to limit it to the first tee shot of the round.

Are Mulligans allowed in golf tournaments?

Mulligans are definitely, absolutely not allowed under the Rules of Golf. If you're playing in a competition governed by the Rules of Golf, mulligans aren't allowed. In fact, that term is not even in the rule book.

What does the phrase Mulligan mean?

Definition of mulligan : a free shot sometimes given a golfer in informal play when the previous shot was poorly played.

Are Mulligans legal in golf?

A Mulligan in golf is a shot which is allowed to be replayed without penalty and as if the first shot had not even happened. Thus if a player is unhappy with a bad shot, he or she can simply repeat it. It is against the rules of golf, but it is used in some social games.

Why is it called mulligan?

Theory: 'Mulligan' Is Named After a Golfer 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.

Why do golfers say fore?

It Is Derived from the Word 'Forecaddie' Forecaddies were in charge of watching the golf balls and indicating where the golf balls landed. To let the forecaddie know when the ball was being struck, the golfers would yell out forecaddie. Eventually, the caddie part was dropped, leaving just the fore.

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 ...

Why is Mulligan called Mulligan?

Theory: 'Mulligan' Is Named After a Golfer. 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.

Why was Mulligan called a correction shot?

Perhaps because Mr. Mulligan was a prominent local businessman, the term, according to the story, caught on among his peers and then spread from there.

What is a Mulligan bottle?

That free bottle was called, according to the book, a Mulligan. The term was adapted to the golf course to denote a "freebie" (a free, replay stroke) to be used by golfers. Along the same lines, there's a second story told about the term originating in bars.

When did the term "mulligan" come into use?

The term was in use on golf courses by at least the 1940s. 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 ...

Who was the golfer who replayed poor shots at Essex Falls?

Another story cited by the USGA is of a John "Buddy" Mulligan, known for replaying poor shots at Essex Fells Country Clubs in N.J. in the 1930s. As with David Mulligan in Canada, Buddy Mulligan's golf partners named the do-over shot after him.

Is Mulligan an Irish name?

Theory: The Ethnic Slur. Another interesting theory is related by the Web site, StraightDope.com. "Mulligan" is a common Irish name, and the Northeastern United States was heavily Irish in the early part of the 20th Century. StraightDope.com pointed to those times in sharing this theory:

What does "mulligan" mean in golf?

In his book The Historical Dictionary of Golfing Terms: From 1500 to the Present, Peter Davies wrote, “Mulligan n. [Origin obscure.] Permission by a player ( forbidden under the rules) to an opponent to replay a misplayed shot, especially a tee-shot.”. Instruction.

What is a mulligan?

The mulligan is one of golf's most curious customs. In golf there are no (legal) do-overs, but that doesn’t stop many golfers from taking them anyway. We speak, of course, of that most curious of golfing customs: the mulligan. But where did the mulligan originate?

Why did David Mulligan say he should get a second tee shot?

Because of his nerves and shaking in his hands from driving, he said he should be afforded a second tee shot after a poor attempt on the first. Most people believe that David Mulligan is the mulligan’s founder, but there is a dissenting camp that credits our second protagonist, Buddy. Gear.

Who said "I was so provoked with myself that, on impulse, I stooped over and put

But to this group, the re-do was a stunning moment. In 1985, Mulligan told journalist Don Mackintosh, “I was so provoked with myself that, on impulse, I stooped over and put down another ball.

Who was Buddy Mulligan?

John A. “Buddy” Mulligan was a locker room attendant at Essex Fells Country Club, in New Jersey, in the 1930s. One day at the club, Des Sullivan, who later became the president of the Golf Writers Association of America, was playing alongside assistant pro Dave O’Connell.

Can you take an extra shot on the first tee?

“It all worked out amicably enough, but after that it became an unwritten rule in our foursome that you could take an extra shot on the 1st tee if you weren’t satisfied with your original. Naturally, this was always referred to as ‘taking a Mulligan.’.

Did Mr Mulligan have a foursome?

Mr. Mulligan had a regular foursome with whom he played. One morning, after a terrible drive off the 1st tee, he instinctively placed down another ball and whacked it again. Simple enough, something you might do any time you play and not think twice about. But to this group, the re-do was a stunning moment.

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 ...

Why did Mulligan get an extra shot?

A second version has the extra shot given to Mulligan due to his being jumpy and shaky after a difficult drive over the Victoria Bridge to the course. A third version is that he was given an extra shot after he overslept and then rushed to get ready to make the tee time.

When to allow 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.

What are some alternatives to the must mulligan?

The alternatives are: The must mulligan – Irrespective of the outcome of your mulligan you MUST play the ball from where it ends up. If the ball is in a worse position, you still have to play the second shot. The provisional mulligan – This will offer you a choice of whether you want to play the original shot or the mulligan.

Can you use a mulligan in a friendly game?

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 mulligans before you can call for a mulligan.

Do you need a mulligan for a round?

Alternatively, practice harder and get into a position where you do not need a mulligan.