Mulligan Definition: The Free Do-Over
A mulligan in golf is an informal practice where a player replays a shot without counting the original attempt. After hitting a bad shot, the golfer simply tees up another ball (or drops one) and hits again, pretending the first shot never happened. The mulligan is not counted as a stroke, meaning the score for the hole does not include the erased shot.
It is important to emphasize immediately: mulligans are not recognized by the Rules of Golf. They exist entirely as a social convention in casual, friendly rounds. You will never see a mulligan taken in a PGA Tour event, an amateur competition, or any round that counts for handicap purposes. Using a mulligan in a competition would constitute a breach of the rules and result in penalties or disqualification.
Despite being unofficial, the mulligan is deeply embedded in golf culture. Nearly every recreational golfer has encountered the concept, and it remains one of the most debated topics among friends on the first tee: "Are we playing mulligans today?"
Track Every Shot with Golf Scorecard
Free digital scorecard with handicap calculator, stats tracking, and shareable scorecards.
Download Free on iOSOrigin of the Term "Mulligan"
The most widely accepted origin story credits David Bernard Mulligan, a Canadian amateur golfer who played at the St. Lambert Country Club in Montreal during the 1920s. According to the tale, Mulligan hit a poor tee shot one day and re-teed without penalty, explaining that he was not ready or had not warmed up properly. His playing partners began referring to this second chance as a "mulligan," and the name stuck.
An alternative origin story involves a different David Mulligan, a hotelier at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York, who supposedly drove his friends to the Winged Foot Golf Club. After the bumpy car ride, his hands were shaking so badly that he shanked his first tee shot and demanded a re-do. His playing partners agreed, and the practice was christened in his honor.
Regardless of which story is true (and both may contain elements of fiction), the term has been part of the golf vocabulary since the early to mid-1900s and has since spread beyond golf into everyday language, where "taking a mulligan" means getting a second chance at anything.
Are Mulligans Allowed Under Official Rules?
No. The Rules of Golf, as defined by the R&A and USGA, do not mention or recognize mulligans. Under official rules, every stroke counts, and you must play the ball as it lies or take proper penalty relief. There is no provision for replaying a shot simply because you did not like the result.
In stroke play, if you play a second ball from the tee without declaring it a provisional (when the first ball is not lost or out of bounds), the second ball becomes the ball in play and you have effectively taken stroke-and-distance relief, meaning your next stroke from the tee would be your third. In match play, your opponent can require you to replay the shot from its original position (or not), but the concept of a free do-over does not exist.
Even in informal club competitions, weekend tournaments, and handicap-qualifying rounds, mulligans should never be used. Any round that is posted for handicap purposes must be played under the Rules of Golf to maintain the integrity of the handicap system.
The "Breakfast Ball" Tradition
A close cousin of the mulligan is the "breakfast ball." This is a mulligan specifically taken on the first tee of the day. The logic (such as it is) goes: you have not had time to warm up, it is your first swing of the day, and surely everyone deserves one practice shot before the round truly begins.
The breakfast ball is perhaps the most socially accepted form of mulligan. Many casual groups automatically allow each player one breakfast ball on the first tee without it needing to be discussed. However, the same rules apply: it is not recognized officially, should not be used when posting scores for handicap, and should never be assumed. Always ask your playing partners before taking one.
When Are Mulligans Acceptable?
Acceptable Situations
- Casual rounds with friends where everyone agrees beforehand
- Playing with beginners who need encouragement to keep up pace of play
- Charity tournaments that explicitly sell mulligans as fundraising
- Practice rounds where you are working on your game
- Family outings where the focus is on fun, not competition
Never Acceptable
- Any official competition or tournament (unless explicitly part of the format)
- Rounds being posted for handicap purposes
- When playing partners have not agreed to allow them
- When money or prizes are at stake
- During match play where the opponent has not conceded
Charity Tournament Mulligans
One of the most common places you will encounter mulligans is in charity golf tournaments. These events often sell mulligans as part of their fundraising, typically charging $5-$20 per mulligan with a limit of 1-3 per player. Some tournaments also sell special items like a "throw" (move your ball to a better location) or a "string" (measure a length of string at the start and use it to move your ball closer to the hole throughout the round).
In charity scramble events, mulligans are a fun addition that raises extra money for the cause while adding a strategic element to the game. Should you use your mulligan on the tee shot you sliced, or save it for a missed short putt later? This decision-making adds an entertaining layer to an already social format.
How Mulligans Affect Handicap Tracking
If you use mulligans during a round, that round should not be posted for handicap purposes. The entire handicap system is built on the assumption that every stroke is counted and every round is played under the Rules of Golf. A round that includes free do-overs artificially lowers your score and would make your handicap inaccurately low.
A vanity handicap (one that is lower than your actual ability) hurts you in competition because you receive fewer strokes than you actually need. It also undermines the fairness of any event you enter. The handicap system works best when everyone posts honest scores from rounds played by the rules.
If you enjoy taking mulligans in casual play (and there is nothing wrong with that), simply do not post those rounds. Save your official scores for rounds where you play by the rules, and use mulligan rounds purely for fun and recreation.
Why Mulligans Can Hurt Your Game Long-Term
Beyond the rules and handicap issues, relying on mulligans can actually hinder your development as a golfer. When you know you have a safety net, you may not commit fully to your first swing. The mental pressure of knowing every shot counts is part of golf, and learning to perform under that pressure is what separates improving golfers from stagnant ones.
Additionally, learning to recover from a bad shot is one of the most valuable skills in golf. If you always erase your mistakes, you never learn how to punch out of the trees, play a recovery shot from the rough, or manage a bad tee shot. These scrambling skills are essential for lower scores and are only developed when you play the ball as it lies.
Count Every Stroke, Track Every Round
Golf Scorecard App makes it easy to keep honest scores. Track your real performance, see your true improvement, and build an accurate handicap over time.
