NATIONAL MULLIGAN DAY

NATIONAL MULLIGAN DAY

National Mulligan Day is observed annually on October 17 to offer an opportunity for giving yourself a second chance or, as some people call it, a “do-over.”

#NationalMulliganDay

In golf, a mulligan happens when a player gets a second chance to perform a specific move or action. 

According to the United States Golf Association (USGA), three different stories explain the origin of the term. The first derives from the name of a Canadian golfer, David Mulligan, a one-time manager of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, who played golf in the 1920s. A different, later, etymology gives credit to John A. “Buddy” Mulligan, a locker room attendant at Essex Fells C.C., New Jersey, in the 1930s  Another story, according to author Henry Beard, states that the term comes from Thomas Mulligan, a minor Anglo-Irish aristocrat and a passionate golfer who was born in 1793.

According to the United States Golf Association (USGA), the term first achieved widespread use in the 1940s.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL MULLIGAN DAY

We can all think of something that at one point in time, we have said, “I wish I could do that over.” Celebrate the day by taking your do-over. Also, be considerate and offer a Mulligan to a few friends and neighbors out there. Some days we all deserve it. Use #NationalMulliganDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL MULLIGAN DAY HISTORY

C. Daniel Rhodes of Hoover, Alabama, created National Mulligan Day as a way to give everyone a day to have a fresh start. Along with Mulligan Day, Rhodes created Brother's Day (May 24) and National Garage Sale Day (Second Saturday in August).

Mulligan FAQ

Q. What else does Mulligan mean?
A. Well, a Mulligan stew is made from whatever food is handy giving those leftovers a second chance. It's also a surname originating in Ireland.

Q. Does taking a Mulligan mean you're cheating?
A. No. In a casual game of golf, if you ask for and are granted a Mulligan, it's important to acknowledge the generosity and give your next swing and the rest of the game your best shot. However, Mulligans are not allowed in competitive play.

Q. Can you take too many Mulligans?
A. Yes. There are only so many second chances in life. To receive one on the links isn't a whole lot different. If you're always giving your best, you shouldn't need too many Mulligans anyway. You'll have improved so much, you'll be the one granting them instead.