In golf, what is a "mulligan" in casual golf?
VerifiedAnswer: A mulligan is a free re-hit of a poor shot, without penalty.
Explanation:
A mulligan is one of golf's most beloved informal traditions that makes the game more enjoyable and forgiving for recreational players. When you hit a terrible shot – whether it's a slice into the woods, a chunk that barely moves the ball, or a complete whiff – a mulligan gives you the chance to pretend that shot never happened and try again from the same spot.
The beauty of a mulligan lies in its simplicity and spirit of fairness. Unlike official golf rules where every stroke counts toward your score, a mulligan doesn't add any penalty strokes to your scorecard. You simply pick up your ball (if you can find it!), return to your original position, and take another swing as if the previous shot never occurred.
Mulligans are typically used in casual, friendly rounds of golf rather than competitive tournaments or official matches. They're especially common when playing with friends, during charity golf events, or when you're learning the game. Most golfers have an unspoken understanding about when mulligans are appropriate – usually for particularly bad shots that result from obvious mistakes, equipment malfunctions, or external distractions.
The term "mulligan" has an interesting backstory, though its exact origin is debated. Some say it comes from a Canadian golfer named David Mulligan who, in the 1920s, regularly took second shots after poor drives at his home course. Others attribute it to different golfers with the same surname who had similar habits. Regardless of its true origin, the term has become universally recognized in golf culture.
While mulligans add fun and reduce frustration, they should be used sparingly and with mutual agreement among all players in your group. Taking too many mulligans can slow down play and defeat the purpose of improving your actual golf skills. Many casual golfers limit themselves to one or two mulligans per round, often restricting them to tee shots only.
