By The Rules Guy, Richard Todd
The two major mantras, when it comes to golf are: Play the ball as it lies and always Play by the rules.
But did you know there is such a thing as a legal Mulligan? Jesper Parnevik found out the hard way.
It’s not always obvious, however, how to be compliant with these directives and adhere to the spirit of the rules. Even golfers with a full appreciation of the rules of golf, at times struggle with the proper administration of a particular rule.
This was reinforced recently at the PGA Champions Tour’s SAS Championship, when Parnevik received a one-stroke penalty for not replaying a shot, more affectionately called, a ‘Mulligan.’
After one of his putts lipped out, it hit his foot. Parnevik played on, tapping in the missed putt, from where the ball lay on the putting green.
However, USGA Rule 11.1.b, Exception 2, states:
“When a Ball Played from Putting Green Accidentally Hits Any Person, Animal or Movable Obstruction (Including Another Ball in Motion) on the Putting Green: The stroke does not count and the original ball or another ball must be replaced at its original spot (which if not known must be estimated).”
Because Parnevik’s ball lipped out and struck his foot, he was required by rule to take a Mulligan and not count the missed putt. He was entitled to a free do-over.
Yes, there is such a thing as a legal Mulligan.
Parnevik was not familiar with this particular rule, however, and continued his round. At the end of the day, he was informed by rules officials that his bogey became, a double bogey, because he was assessed a one-stroke penalty for non-compliance with the correct rule. He was penalized because he didn’t take a Mulligan. What could have been a par turned into a double-bogey.
Remember, if your golf ball impacts items not of the course you need to stop and think before taking another stroke.
The rule can change depending on where you are at on the course. A practice stroke isn’t allowed in a bunker, but it is in the fairway. You are allowed to touch your ball on the green, but not in the fairway, or rough (except in rare situations).
Alternatively, if your ball is played from anywhere other than the putting green and accidentally contacts a golfer, or their equipment, there is no re-do and you must play the ball as it lies.
Note, this rule was recently changed to eliminate a penalty.
Its imperative, when playing in an organized golf tournament, to know the rules and when you might be entitled to a legal Mulligan.
