What Is a Mulligan?

The Golf Definition

In the world of golf, a mulligan is one of the most beloved — and unofficial — traditions on the course. It's a do-over. A second shot. A chance to try again after you've hit a terrible drive, shanked an iron, or sent your ball sailing into the water.

Mulligans aren't in the official rules of golf. You won't find them in the USGA rulebook or sanctioned in any professional tournament. But on casual rounds with friends, they're a cherished act of grace — a way of saying, "We all make mistakes. Go ahead and try that one again."

The origin of the mulligan is debated, but the most widely accepted story credits David Bernard Mulligan, a Canadian hotelier and avid golfer in the 1920s. As the story goes, Mulligan hit a poor tee shot at the Country Club of Montreal and impulsively re-teed his ball for a second attempt. His playing partners allowed it, and the tradition was born. Some versions say it happened because he was shaking from the rough drive to the course; others say it was simply a cold morning and his hands weren't cooperating.

Regardless of its exact origin, the mulligan has become one of golf's most enduring cultural traditions. It represents something deeply human: the desire for a second chance, the hope that one bad moment doesn't have to define the rest of the round — or the rest of your life.

The Spiritual Parallel: Grace, Not Earned

What makes a mulligan so powerful isn't just the second shot — it's how you get it. You don't earn a mulligan. You don't pay for it. You don't deserve it based on your scorecard. It's given to you freely, by the grace of those around you.

This is the very definition of God's grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast." God's grace is the ultimate mulligan. It's not earned by good behavior, church attendance, or moral perfection. It's a gift, freely given to anyone who puts their faith in Jesus Christ.

For someone struggling with addiction, this truth is life-changing. Addiction tells you that you've made too many mistakes, that you're too far gone, that your scorecard is too damaged to recover. But God says otherwise. Through the gospel of Jesus Christ, God offers complete forgiveness, a fresh start, and a new identity. Your past does not define your future.

At The Mulligan Mission, we exist to share this message with men and women across America who are battling addiction. Whether it's alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography, or any other dependency — God's mulligan is available to you.

What Scripture Says About Second Chances

These verses paint a picture of a God who doesn't just tolerate second chances — He delights in them. He removes our sin as far as the east is from the west. He makes us brand new creations. He promises no condemnation for those in Christ. This is the heart of The Mulligan Mission: sharing this hope with people who need it most. Explore more in our collection of Bible verses about second chances and the spiritual meaning of a mulligan.

Your Mulligan Starts Today

Maybe you're reading this page because you're in the grip of addiction right now. Maybe it's a loved one who's struggling. Maybe you've tried everything — rehab, therapy, willpower, self-help — and nothing has lasted. We want you to know: you haven't exhausted your options.

God's grace is inexhaustible. His mercies are new every single morning. The same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is available to you right now, in this moment, wherever you are. All you have to do is ask.

The Mulligan Mission is here to walk with you. We offer mentorship, prayer support, golf fellowship events, and recovery resources — all centered on the gospel. You don't have to do this alone. Your mulligan starts today.

Your Mulligan Starts Today →

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