What is a Mulligan?

A mulligan in golf is a second shot that is allowed after a poor or errant first shot. It's essentially a "do-over" that is often used in casual rounds or for practice purposes. This YouTube video provides an overview of what a mulligan is in golf.

Why Do Golfers Take a Mulligan?

While mulligans are generally not allowed in official tournaments, they can be a helpful tool for improving one's game and making the sport more enjoyable for everyone involved.

The Origin Stories Of Mulligans

The exact origin of the mulligan is a bit foggy, but below are the most common stories about the orgin of the mulligan and where the term came from:

David Mulligan

Dave Mulligan, an expatriate Canadian who moved to the United States with the Biltmore Hotel chain and became a member of Winged Foot Golf Club, which helped his social status but apparently not his drives from the first tee. He was a decent player, but he could never get off No. 1. So the sporting members of Winged Foot gave the fellow a free second ball.

John Mulligan

Another account suggests that John "Buddy" Mulligan, a locker room attendant at Essex Fells Country Club in New Jersey during the 1930s, may be the origin of the term. When the course was unoccupied, Mulligan would generously allow players who hit poor shots to re-tee, referring to these extra attempts as "mulligans." The term quickly gained popularity among golfers at Essex Fells and eventually spread to other clubs, solidifying Mulligan's connection to the do-over shot.

Second Helping of Food Term For Irish-Americans

The term "mulligan" is thought to be derived from the Irish-American slang term for a second helping of food, suggesting that a mulligan in golf is essentially a second chance.

Mulligan was also a common Irish surname. The term may have honored a different early golfer. Or it may have been a tongue-in-cheek Irish reference given golf's origins in Scotland. The Scots and Irish were frequent rivals.

Early Use of the Mulligan:

• Casual Play: Initially, the mulligan was primarily used in informal, friendly matches. It was a way to keep the game fun and prevent frustration from ruining the experience.

• Practice Rounds: Golfers also began using mulligans during practice rounds to improve their skills and gain confidence.