What Is a Mulligan in Golf? When It Is and Is Not Allowed

TL;DR

Golfers use “mulligan” for an unofficial second chance, most often after a poor opening shot. It can be a friendly house rule, but a tournament scorecard cannot simply erase a stroke.

Where the tradition appears

Casual groups may allow one mulligan on the first tee or during a charity scramble. The group should agree before playing so the practice does not create arguments later.

Why it is not official

The Rules of Golf require players to play the ball as it lies and count strokes and penalties. A re-hit without the prescribed procedure changes the score and is not a valid competition result.

Mulligan versus provisional ball

A provisional ball is an official option when the original may be lost or out of bounds. A mulligan is a courtesy re-hit after a poor shot; the two should never be confused.

Better casual-play etiquette

Set a limit, announce the shot and do not use a mulligan to change a competitive result. Some groups instead replay only an opening tee shot before the score counts.

Related golf scoring

See par, birdie, albatross and golf handicaps.