[비즈한국] At some point, golfers started saying, "Let's each use one mulligan." It became quite frequent. I have even often seen golfers take a mulligan for themselves after hitting what is known as a "smulligan" (a poor shot) and hitting again. Depending on the team, some even use one mulligan each for the front and back nine. Because of this, it gets complicated when golfers talk about their scores. "I shot in the 80s, but since I used a mulligan, I actually shot in the 90s." Haven't you heard that a lot? "That guy hit one stroke better than me, but he used two mulligans, so I’m actually the one who played better." It is quite something that scores, which should be the most objective and accurate, have these hidden stories mixed with excuses.
Golf has changed a lot over time. Golf, once the exclusive domain of bosses and executives, has become somewhat democratized. A large number of young golfers have entered the game, and the number of female golfers has increased rapidly. Even 20 or 30 years ago, young golfers in their 20s and 30s or female golfers were such a rarity on South Korean golf courses that they would attract the attention of other golfers, but now it has become "golf for everyone," enjoyed by all ages regardless of gender. Golf fashion has changed, and the way golf is enjoyed has also changed. In short, golf has become much more casual.
One of the things that led to these changes is "screen golf." As an IT powerhouse, South Korea's golf simulator technology is truly world-class. As a result, many golf beginners practice at indoor driving ranges with simulators and prepare for real-world play by having their first-ever round of golf through a screen golf game. However, one of the causes of the abuse of mulligans can be found in screen golf. When starting a screen golf game, you set the number of "mulligans." You can set up to three. A "mulligan" is included in the game. Golfers who are introduced to golf through screen golf might think that a mulligan is a part of the game itself. Let's calculate 3 mulligans over 18 holes in terms of strokes. If we assume they were out-of-bounds, that’s a 6-stroke difference. A 6-stroke difference is enough to turn a 100-shooter into a bogey golfer, or an 80s golfer into a single-digit handicapper. Looking at it this way, a mulligan is a very attractive mental recovery prescription and the biggest contributor to "score massaging."
Then, what was it like in the past? The term "mulligan" (often pronounced "mol-gan" due to the influence of Japanese pronunciation) was just a subject for jokes. On very special occasions—for instance, when a playing partner’s shot was just too poor, or especially when a VIP did so in a "business golf" setting—a mulligan might be given about once per 18 holes. Perhaps that is why the person giving the mulligan was cautious, and the person receiving it was grateful but felt a bit embarrassed. It hasn't been that long since mulligans started being used excessively.
There are several theories about the origin of the mulligan. One suggests it was a mulligan given for the first tee shot of a partner who had driven from a long distance, and another suggests it was a chance given to a golfer who lacked the skill compared to others to hit again without a penalty after a missed shot on the first hole. What is clear here is that a mulligan is granted to a golfer with a higher handicap who lacks skill, and it is not meant to be distributed "fairly" among all golfers.
Sometimes, there are golfers who are clearly experts but say, "I’ll use one mulligan." If they shoot in the 70s with that, that is not the attitude of an expert. Personally, I prefer "no-mulligan" golf, but if we must exchange them, let's at least reduce the count. Let's give mulligans to golfers with high handicaps who haven't been playing for long. If you are a golfer who says, "I'm a bogey player," let's leave the mulligans for the beginners next to us. A mulligan is a consideration for a playing partner; it is not a system, nor is it an absolute rule. Even if team rules take precedence over local rules, we should refrain from treating mulligans as if they were a rule, such as having conversations like, "How many mulligans shall we have?" Also, wouldn't it be better to apply them only to the teeing area and tee shots? Let's not shout "Mulligan..." or say "Well... that's a mulligan" during an iron shot or approach shot that isn't a tee shot.
While I use and reuse mulligans, others behind my back will say, "Add a few strokes to that guy's score... no, make it 10... look at how many mulligans he used." Also, while giving many mulligans might seem like showing consideration for a partner, it could become a stumbling block to their growth into a good golfer. A mulligan is not a "right to mulligan." Consideration can sometimes spoil a golfer.
About the author, Kang Chan-wook?
An advertiser and writer. He began his career as a copywriter at Cheil Worldwide and is currently the CEO of the video production company "Sidaeui Siseon" (View of the Era). Loving golf, he obtained a USGTF teaching professional certification, and out of a love for writing, he published books on golf: "The Joy of Golf," "Bad Golf," "Sincere Golf," and "Golf Thoughts, Thoughtful Golf." He runs the YouTube channel "Bad Golf," sharing various stories and thoughts surrounding golf with readers and viewers.