What is a Mulligan?

The idea of taking a mulligan has seeped its way into many different contexts, from sports to politics and beyond. Essentially meaning "to take another shot," the mulligan originated in the game of golf and became an idiomatic expression for getting a second chance in regards to a variety of social situations. While the mulligan is not allowed in official rules of golf, it has a place in social games and in other sports in which the rules are only loosely followed for the sake of a friendly, non-league type of game.

The origin of the term is up for debate, but the most widely credited story of the mulligan origin centers on a Canadian golfer named David Mulligan. He was supposedly the first to take a mulligan shot – essentially a "do-over" shot – after being badly shaken from the rough driving over a bridge on his way to the golf course. His playing partners then dubbed the shot after their shaken friend, calling it the "Mulligan." There are other stories about other players named Mulligan, and many follow much the same pattern.

The mulligan is not a valid rule in professional golf, but at many tournaments, players may be able to purchase a mulligan before the round begins. This practice usually occurs at charity events, or other fundraising games. Otherwise, the mulligan is reserved for social games in which all members of the playing party agree at the onset of the match what the criteria for a mulligan will be. Typically, a player is allowed one mulligan per nine holes, or two for eighteen.

As an idiomatic expression, the term "taking a mulligan" has come to mean getting a second chance, or getting a do-over. It is not uncommon to hear this phrase being used in professional settings, such as politics or business offices, but it is not limited to the working world. People may refer to taking a mulligan in the context of relationships, sports, health, and so forth.

Written by Dan Cavallari