1. The "Dave Mulligan" Story:
The most popular story involves a golfer named Dave Mulligan who was a member of the St. Andrews Golf Club in the early 20th century. He was known for being a bit of a "hacker" and often messed up his first shot. Fellow golfers would jokingly say, "Give him a Mulligan!" meaning he could take another shot without penalty. This story is widely circulated but lacks any definitive evidence and is likely just a legend.
2. The "Mulligan Stew" Theory:
This theory suggests the term originates from a type of Irish stew called "mulligan stew". This stew was made with leftovers and often needed a second cooking to improve the flavor. This analogy connects to the idea of a do-over in golf, where a player gets a second chance to improve their shot. While this explanation is plausible, it also lacks concrete evidence.
Conclusion:
Despite the lack of definitive proof, both stories provide plausible explanations for the origin of the term "mulligan." It's likely that the word evolved organically from a combination of these ideas and the common practice of giving golfers a second chance on a bad shot.
Regardless of its exact origins, the term "mulligan" is now widely recognized as a light-hearted way to request a do-over in golf, especially amongst amateur players.