Mulligan

An informal, non-official practice of taking a second tee shot without penalty after hitting a poor first shot, named after David Mulligan who popularized this practice in the 1930s. Mulligans are not permitted under official rules but are common in casual play among friends as a way to maintain enjoyment and pace of play. Some charity tournaments and casual events allow mulligans as fundraising opportunities or to help less skilled players. Understanding that mulligans are unofficial helps golfers appreciate the difference between casual and competitive play while maintaining proper rules knowledge.