What is a Mulligan in Golf? And Why Do We Keep Pretending It’s Not Cheating?

What is a Mulligan in Golf? And Why Do We Keep Pretending It’s Not Cheating?

Golf, a sport often associated with precision, patience, and a strict adherence to rules, has a peculiar unofficial rule that seems to defy its very essence: the mulligan. A mulligan, in its simplest form, is a do-over. It’s a second chance to hit a shot without counting the first attempt as a stroke. But what exactly is a mulligan, and why does it exist in a game that prides itself on integrity and honesty? More importantly, why do we keep pretending it’s not cheating?

The Origins of the Mulligan: A Mystery Wrapped in Etiquette

The origins of the term “mulligan” are shrouded in mystery, much like the fog that rolls over a Scottish links course. One popular theory suggests that the term originated in the early 20th century, named after a golfer named David Mulligan. According to legend, Mulligan, a Canadian hotelier, would often take a second shot after a poor drive, jokingly attributing his need for a do-over to his shaky hands from the previous night’s festivities. His playing partners, amused by his antics, began to refer to these second chances as “mulligans.”

Another theory traces the term back to the Mulligan Stew, a dish made from leftovers. Just as the stew is a mix of whatever is available, a mulligan in golf is a mix of rules and leniency, a patchwork of second chances that don’t quite fit into the official rulebook.

The Mulligan in Modern Golf: A Social Contract

In modern golf, the mulligan is less about the rules and more about the social contract between players. It’s a gesture of goodwill, a way to keep the game enjoyable, especially among amateur players. After all, golf is a difficult sport, and the frustration of a bad shot can quickly sour the mood. By allowing a mulligan, players can reset their mental state and continue the round with a positive attitude.

However, the mulligan is not without controversy. Purists argue that it undermines the integrity of the game. Golf is unique in that it is largely self-regulated; players are expected to call penalties on themselves and adhere to the rules without the oversight of a referee. The mulligan, in this context, can be seen as a breach of this trust, a small but significant step away from the sport’s core values.

The Psychology of the Mulligan: Why We Need Second Chances

From a psychological perspective, the mulligan serves an important function. Golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. A single bad shot can lead to a cascade of negative thoughts, affecting performance for the rest of the round. The mulligan acts as a mental reset button, allowing players to let go of their mistakes and refocus on the task at hand.

This need for second chances is not unique to golf. In life, we often wish for do-overs, a chance to correct our mistakes and try again. The mulligan, in a way, is a reflection of this universal human desire. It’s a small concession to our imperfections, a reminder that it’s okay to fail as long as we keep trying.

The Mulligan and the Spirit of the Game

Despite its unofficial status, the mulligan has become an integral part of the golfing experience for many players. It’s a way to keep the game fun and accessible, especially for beginners who are still learning the ropes. For more experienced players, it’s a way to inject a bit of levity into what can sometimes be a very serious sport.

But where do we draw the line? At what point does the mulligan stop being a harmless gesture and start to erode the spirit of the game? These are questions that each golfer must answer for themselves. For some, the mulligan is a necessary evil, a small price to pay for the enjoyment of the game. For others, it’s a slippery slope that leads to a disregard for the rules.

Conclusion: The Mulligan as a Metaphor

In the end, the mulligan is more than just a second chance on the golf course. It’s a metaphor for life, a reminder that we all make mistakes and that it’s okay to give ourselves a break. But it’s also a reminder that there are rules, and that while it’s okay to bend them occasionally, we should always strive to play the game with integrity.

So, the next time you’re on the course and you’re tempted to take a mulligan, ask yourself: Is this really necessary? Or am I just cheating myself out of the true experience of the game? The answer, like the mulligan itself, is up to you.


Q: Is a mulligan allowed in professional golf?
A: No, mulligans are not allowed in professional golf. The rules of golf are strictly enforced, and players are expected to play every shot as it lies without any do-overs.

Q: How many mulligans are typically allowed in a round of golf?
A: There is no official limit, but it’s generally accepted that one mulligan per nine holes is reasonable. However, this can vary depending on the group’s agreement before the round.

Q: Can you take a mulligan on any shot?
A: Traditionally, mulligans are taken on tee shots, but some groups may allow them on other shots as well. It’s important to clarify the rules with your playing partners before starting the round.

Q: Does taking a mulligan affect your handicap?
A: Yes, if you take a mulligan and don’t count the original shot, it can affect your score and, consequently, your handicap. For this reason, many serious golfers avoid taking mulligans in rounds that count toward their handicap.

Q: Why do some golfers consider mulligans cheating?
A: Golf is a game of honesty and integrity, and taking a mulligan can be seen as a violation of these principles. It’s essentially ignoring a bad shot, which goes against the spirit of the game.