[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Must and Provisional Mulligan"

A mulligan is a goodwill gift given when you miss a tee shot on the first hole.

‘Mulligan’.

Many domestic golfers surprisingly pronounce it as ‘Molgan’. It means a ‘try-again shot without penalty’ when the tee shot fails on the first hole (The golf word ‘Mulligan’ means a try-again shot, usually off the first tee). Mulligans are naturally used only in friendly games (A Mulligan is played on friendly matches). It is against the Rules of Golf (The Mulligan is illegal according to the Rules of Golf).

American golfers operate two kinds of Mulligans. The ‘Must Mulligan’ requires using the second ball unconditionally (Using the ‘Must Mulligan’ you have to use the second ball), while the ‘Provisional Mulligan’ allows choosing the better shot between the two (Using the ‘Provisional Mulligan’ you have to use the second ball). It is also called a ‘breakfast ball’ or ‘lunch ball’.

This means showing leniency because you rushed driving for your companions and missed breakfast or lunch, resulting in a tee shot mistake. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton played around 800 rounds during his 8-year term and used so many Mulligans that his fellow players nicknamed him ‘Billigan’ (Clinton‘s second or third tee shot. A billigan is a do-over golf shot awarded by complicit fellow).

Mulligans are like mustard in cold noodles. A little adds a refreshing taste, but too much makes it too spicy to eat. Using them only when necessary can make the round more interesting, but overusing them distracts your companions and causes harm. Especially, some golfers excessively use flattering Mulligans for their bosses or clients. This not only delays play but can also backfire.

A: Oh my God! I drove my tee shot into the bushes on the left.

B: That’s unfortunate. I will offer you a Mulligan.

A: Thank you. But when do I take the Mulligan?

B: You must shoot the Mulligan after all the players have finished.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyeong, golf columnist

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.