No, there is no set, official number of mulligans allowed in golf according to the strict Rules of Golf as set by the USGA and The R&A. A mulligan is strictly an informal allowance, meaning the limit, if one exists, is determined entirely by the players involved, the specific competition format, or the policies of the golf course where you are playing.
Golf is a game built on tradition and adherence to rules. When it comes to scores and penalties, the official rulebook is very clear. However, golf also involves many casual settings where traditions bend a little. This is where the concept of the mulligan comes into play. Deciphering the right number of mulligans—or if you can use any at all—depends on knowing the context of your game.
What Exactly is a Mulligan in Golf?
A mulligan is essentially a “do-over” shot. It is an unofficial term for taking a second, free stroke after a poor first attempt, usually from the same spot. It is crucial for defining a mulligan in golf that it is taken before playing the next stroke, tapping the ball, or teeing off on the next hole. If you play your second ball, the first one is officially in play, and you cannot revert to the first shot.
Are mulligans legal in golf under the official rules? Absolutely not. If you are playing in a formal competition governed by the Rules of Golf, taking a mulligan results in a penalty stroke, often disqualification, because it constitutes signing for a score that wasn’t actually played under the rules.
The Official Stance: Rules vs. Reality
The USGA and The R&A govern competitive golf worldwide. Their books have no mention of the word “mulligan.”
The Rules of Golf and Incorrect Scores
When you play a hole, every stroke counts. If you hit your drive out of bounds and take a second tee shot without officially taking a one-stroke penalty (which is what an out-of-bounds violation requires), you are cheating by official standards. The Rules of Golf on mulligans are straightforward: there are none. Any shot not played according to the rules must incur the penalty assigned to that error.
This distinction is vital for serious players. If you are preparing for a tournament, practicing practice shots in golf should always follow the official rules. Using mulligans during practice rounds can seriously hinder your ability to handle pressure during actual competition.
Informal Golf Rules Mulligans: Where the Magic Happens
Most discussions about mulligan limits happen off the official scorecard. These agreements are essential for social rounds and fostering a relaxed environment. Informal golf rules mulligans allow players to shake off a terrible start or a frustrating fluke shot.
Setting Limits for Friendly Games
For a friendly golf game mulligan limits must be established before the first tee. A common mistake is arguing about a mulligan after a bad shot happens.
Here are common ways players set recreational golf mulligan allowances:
- The One-Time Use: Each player gets exactly one mulligan for the entire 18 holes. Once used, it’s gone.
- The Per-Round Limit: Players agree on a total number of mulligans allowed for the group (e.g., the whole group gets five mulligans to share).
- The “Bad Luck” Rule: A mulligan is only allowed if the bad shot was caused by an external factor (like an animal interference, a loud unexpected noise, or hitting a tree branch sideways).
- The Scorecard Draw: Players draw a card before the round. The card dictates how many mulligans they get (e.g., 0, 1, 2, or 3).
| Mulligan Agreement Type | Typical Allocation | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Strict Social Play | 1 per player, total | Equalizing skill levels slightly. |
| Very Casual Play | Unlimited (within reason) | Beginners or very relaxed outings. |
| Tournament Practice | None or only for technical faults | Serious preparation. |
Local Golf Course Mulligan Policies
Some golf courses, especially those catering heavily to beginners or hosting charity scrambles, may have specific policies regarding mulligans. These policies often blend with tournament rules.
When playing a corporate outing or a scramble, mulligans might be sold as a fundraising tool. For instance, a charity event might sell each foursome five mulligans for \$20. These are explicitly allowed because the primary goal is fun and fundraising, not scoring integrity. Always check with the pro shop if you are unsure about local golf course mulligan policies.
Unwritten Golf Etiquette Mulligans
Beyond the numerical limits, unwritten golf etiquette mulligans dictate how and when a mulligan is requested. Good etiquette makes the use of a mulligan acceptable.
- Immediate Action: You must call for the mulligan immediately after the bad shot. Do not wait until you see where your ball lands or until the next tee box.
- No Argument: If one player offers a mulligan, the receiver should accept gracefully or decline politely. Arguing over whether a shot was “bad enough” for a mulligan ruins the flow.
- The Courtesy Call: In casual play, it is polite to ask, “Anyone mind if I grab that?” before taking the second shot. If someone objects, you must honor the group’s prior agreement or the official rules.
- The Tee Box Rule: Mulligans are almost always restricted to the tee shot. Taking a mulligan from the fairway or the rough is generally considered highly inappropriate, even in the most casual play mulligan options.
If you are playing with a group of veterans, asking for a mulligan on the third hole after you’ve already taken two on the first hole might earn you a stern look, even if your agreed-upon limit is three. Etiquette often imposes limits beyond the stated rules.
Deciphering When Mulligans Are Appropriate
The appropriateness of using a mulligan hinges on the stakes of the game.
High Stakes Games (Money or Prestige)
If money is on the line, or if you are playing a club championship qualifier, mulligans should never be used. Even mentioning one can damage your reputation among serious golfers. When the score matters, every shot must count.
Low Stakes Games (Bragging Rights Only)
If the game is only for bragging rights or keeping track of strokes for fun, a mulligan can be a great way to maintain pace of play and enjoyment. If a player hits three balls into the water on the first hole, letting them take a mulligan off the tee helps them avoid getting discouraged and slowing everyone down.
Practice Rounds vs. Casual Play
Many serious golfers use casual play mulligan options during practice rounds specifically to work on specific shots. For example, a player might hit one drive using a new driver setting, and then take a mulligan to hit a second drive using their old, familiar setting, simply for comparison. This is a tool for learning, not score manipulation.
How Mulligans Affect Pace of Play
One key advantage of a clear mulligan policy is maintaining a good pace of play. When a player hits a terrible shot, deciding whether to play it out, take a penalty, or ask for a mulligan can cause delays.
If the group agrees upfront that each player gets two mulligans, the player who hooks the first drive knows instantly: “Okay, I’ll take my mulligan now and hit the next one,” saving time arguing over penalty strokes or official rules.
The Difference Between a Mulligan and a Practice Shot
It is important to separate the mulligan from other types of extra shots in golf.
Practice shots in golf are shots taken when the ball is not officially “in play.” Examples include:
- Hitting extra balls on the driving range before the round starts.
- Hitting practice putts on the practice green.
- Hitting approach shots near the green (if permitted by the course rules).
A mulligan, conversely, occurs during official play on the course, substituting a real stroke that has already been attempted.
Table: Comparing Golf Shot Types
| Feature | Mulligan | Practice Shot (Range) | Penalty Stroke |
|---|---|---|---|
| When Taken | During official play, on the hole | Before or after the round, off the course | After violating a specific rule |
| Official Status | Not allowed by the rules | Does not count toward the score | Counts as an extra stroke |
| Purpose | To redo a bad shot in a friendly game | To warm up or experiment | To correct a rule breach |
Gauging the Atmosphere: Deciphering the Group Vibe
The most important factor determining mulligan allowance is the atmosphere of the group. You must be able to read the room.
If your playing partners are deeply focused, checking yardages meticulously, and discussing handicaps seriously, assume zero mulligans are allowed unless explicitly offered. If the group is laughing, talking about weekend plans, and hitting wildly, recreational golf mulligan allowances are likely open for discussion.
Tips for Asking for a Mulligan Politely:
- Use clear, concise language.
- If unsure of the group standard, ask early: “Hey guys, for this casual round, are we allowing one mulligan per person?”
- If you’ve already used yours, be honest: “I’m out of mulligans, so I’ll play this one as it lies.”
Mulligans in Different Competition Formats
The allowance for mulligans changes dramatically based on the structure of the game.
Scrambles and Best Ball
In charity scrambles, mulligans are often central to the event. Since only the best drive is used, a bad drive can be erased with a purchased mulligan, allowing the team to get the best possible outcome. In these formats, the mulligan is an integrated part of the fun.
Match Play vs. Stroke Play
In match play, where you compete against one opponent hole-by-hole, a single mistake can cost you the hole immediately. A conceded putt or concession of a lost ball often feels like a de facto mulligan, but it is handled differently. If you lose a hole because of a bad tee shot, you just move on. You don’t get a free do-over stroke to save that hole, even casually.
Stroke play requires absolute adherence to the score. If you take an un-official mulligan in stroke play, you must correct your card immediately or face disqualification when signing in.
The Psychological Impact of Casual Allowances
While mulligans seem harmless, they can affect skill development. Golfers who rely too heavily on informal golf rules mulligans might never develop the mental toughness needed to recover from a bad shot during a real competition.
Part of mastering golf is accepting the bad shot and immediately focusing on the next one—the recovery shot. If you habitually erase the bad drive, you skip the vital mental step of problem-solving under pressure.
For instructors, advising students to avoid mulligans, even in casual rounds, helps build consistency. The shot you hit after realizing your drive was terrible is often more instructive than the one you just erased.
FAQ on Mulligans and Golf Etiquette
Q: Is it ever okay to take a mulligan without asking?
A: Generally, no. Even if you think the atmosphere suggests it is fine, always check with the group first. Assuming you can take one can cause serious offense, especially if money is involved or if one player is taking it very seriously.
Q: Can I take a mulligan on a terrible putt?
A: Almost universally, no. Mulligans are reserved for the tee shot. If you miss a short putt, you simply mark the ball and continue playing the hole according to the rules, or you concede the hole in match play. Taking a do-over on the green is strongly against unwritten golf etiquette mulligans.
Q: What is the penalty if I take a mulligan in a sanctioned tournament?
A: It depends on the specific competition, but generally, taking an extra stroke without penalty is a breach of Rule 3.3b (Signing for a Score Lower Than Took). You must usually add two penalty strokes, or in severe cases, you can be disqualified for signing for a wrong score. Always check the local rules sheet for the event.
Q: How do I stop my friends from constantly using mulligans?
A: Have an honest conversation before the first tee. Explain that while you enjoy a casual game, you want to practice sticking to the rules today. Suggest a compromise, such as agreeing that only one mulligan is allowed for the entire group for the day, or perhaps only allow them if a ball is lost or goes out of bounds (where a proper penalty stroke is already required).
Q: Are there any official golf rules on mulligans for juniors?
A: For officially sanctioned junior events governed by The R&A or USGA, no mulligans are allowed. However, many introductory junior programs or clinics use mulligans frequently to keep the children engaged and to help them experience more successful shots. This is part of their instructional focus, not a competition rule.
Conclusion: The Context Rules Everything
The question of how many mulligans are allowed in golf has no single numerical answer. The true number exists somewhere between zero (for official play) and infinity (for a beginner playing alone for fun).
To navigate this successfully, remember the context:
- Competition: Zero mulligans. Follow the rules strictly.
- Practice/Instruction: Use them strategically to compare shots, but know they aren’t real strokes.
- Casual Play: Agree on limits upfront. Establishing friendly golf game mulligan limits beforehand ensures the round stays fun and fair, respecting the spirit of the game while enjoying some casual play mulligan options.
Respecting the rules when they matter, and knowing when to set them aside for camaraderie, is the real art of golf etiquette.