Connect with us

Blog

The Fine Art of the Mulligan

When One Swing Just Isn’t Enough

Avatar photo

Published

on

Hey there, fellow golfers and masters of the do-over! Today, we’re diving into a topic that every golfer holds near and dear to their heart: the mulligan. Ah, yes—the unofficial “get out of jail free” card of golf. Let’s face it, sometimes one swing just isn’t enough, and when things go sideways faster than a shanked drive, you’ll find yourself reaching for the ultimate reset button: the mulligan.

ADVERTISEMENT

PING Hoofer

So let’s explore the fine art of the mulligan, a concept so sacred and universally loved that it’s basically the only part of golf where breaking the rules feels like a warm hug.

  • The Origins of the Mulligan: An Age-Old Tradition
    Now, no one really knows where the mulligan came from. Some say it was invented by a golfer named David Mulligan in the 1920s who decided that one bad swing shouldn’t ruin his day. Others say it dates back to the cavemen days when a poorly thrown rock could be followed up with, “Eh, I’m taking another one!” Either way, the mulligan is as timeless as golf itself. It’s a tradition that’s been passed down through generations, like a family recipe for disaster.
  • When to Take a Mulligan: The Goldilocks Rule
    Knowing when to pull the mulligan card is an art. Too soon, and you look like you’ve got no faith in your swing. Too late, and you’re stuck playing from the depths of a bunker that’s more beach than golf course. The trick? The “Goldilocks Rule”: your first swing has to be just bad enough. Not horrendously bad (that’s when you blame the club), but not great either—something in the sweet spot of “Oops, let’s pretend that didn’t happen.” Just bad enough to justify the do-over, but not so bad that you need to ask for forgiveness from your playing partners.
  • The Silent Agreement: Mulligan Etiquette
    Let’s be honest—mulligans are like magic tricks. They only work if everyone agrees to keep the secret. You can’t just shout “MULLIGAN!” like you’re starting a revolution. No, no. A good mulligan requires finesse. You glance at your buddies, give them the universal “we cool with this?” look, and if you’re lucky, they’ll nod or offer a half-smile. That’s all the permission you need. But if your friends start counting how many mulligans you’ve taken, it’s time to cool it. This isn’t the Mulligan Masters, after all.
  • Mulligan Multiplication: The Real Math of Golf
    Ah, the fun of scoring golf with mulligans. If you’re like most people, a round of golf involves more math than a calculus exam. “Okay, I’ll count that first shot, but I’ll take a mulligan on the second. So it’s one off the tee, mulligan, drop two… wait, what hole is this?” It’s the kind of mental gymnastics that would make a math teacher cry. But remember: the official scorecard doesn’t need to know about your little mulligan miracle. That’s strictly between you, the course, and that friend who’s pretending they didn’t see you take another swing.
  • The “Breakfast Ball” Mulligan
    If there’s one time when a mulligan is practically a requirement, it’s the “breakfast ball.” You’ve just rolled out of bed, barely had your coffee, and now you’re supposed to hit a perfect drive off the first tee? Not gonna happen. The breakfast ball is the sacred mulligan of early tee times. The first ball is really just a warm-up. The second one? That’s the one you meant to hit. The breakfast ball is the golf world’s way of saying, “Hey, no one should have to hit the fairway before 8 a.m. without a little grace.”
  • No Mulligans in Life, Except on the Course
    The great thing about mulligans? They don’t exist in real life. Can you imagine taking a mulligan in a work meeting? “Oops, I’ll just redo that presentation. Mulligan!” Or in a conversation with your boss? “Yeah, I definitely didn’t mean to say that. Mulligan!” No way. But on the golf course? Mulligans are free, unlimited (depending on how much you like your friends), and glorious. They remind us that second chances are always an option, at least when you’re chasing a little white ball around a field.

So there you have it, folks—a deep dive into the glorious art of the mulligan. Whether you’re dropping one after a wayward tee shot or throwing one in for fun with the boys, remember: the mulligan is more than just a do-over. It’s an institution. It’s a gift from the golfing gods. And most importantly, it’s the greatest loophole in a game that’s usually all about following the rules. Until next time, may your first swing be great—but if it’s not, may your mulligans be plentiful. Mulligan on, my friends!

Blog

The Spirit of the Links

From Scotland’s Shores to North America’s Coasts explore golf’s historic roots.

Avatar photo

Published

on

Golf, a sport steeped in tradition and history, finds its roots deeply embedded in the sandy soils of Scotland’s links courses. These courses, characterized by their coastal settings, rolling dunes, and deep bunkers, offer a golfing experience that is both challenging and steeped in the game’s ancient traditions. This article explores the quintessential links courses of Scotland, including the renowned Kingsbarns, and compares them to their counterparts in North America, highlighting the differences that define and distinguish these iconic golf landscapes.

The Essence of Scottish Links

Scottish links courses are the original venues for the game of golf, with their history tracing back over several centuries. Kingsbarns, located near St. Andrews—the acknowledged ‘Home of Golf’—is a prime example. Though it was only opened in 2000, Kingsbarns has quickly become a jewel in the crown of Scottish golf. Designed by Kyle Phillips, the course captures the true spirit of links golf with its rugged coastline, natural bunkers, and undulating fairways that challenge even the most skilled golfers.

Links courses, by definition, are built on sandy land along coastlines. In Scotland, these courses are battered by the elements, with wind playing a significant role in the game, requiring golfers to exhibit not just skill but also creativity and adaptability. The courses are typically devoid of trees, using the natural landscape such as dunes and native grasses to define their boundaries.

ADVERTISEMENT

North American Links

While true links courses are a product of their environment, several courses in North America seek to replicate the Scottish experience. Courses like Bandon Dunes in Oregon and Cabot Links in Nova Scotia are designed to mirror the natural, rugged elegance of Scottish links. Bandon Dunes, for example, sits atop a windswept bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Its natural vegetation, dune topography, and wind conditions are reminiscent of Scotland’s storied courses.

Cabot Links, on the other hand, is Canada’s first true links course, featuring panoramic views and a layout that adheres to the natural landscape. Like its Scottish inspirations, Cabot Links utilizes fescue grasses and minimizes artificial water hazards, relying on wind and natural land forms to challenge players.

Links vs. Regular Courses

The main difference between a links course and a regular golf course lies in their interaction with the natural environment. Traditional golf courses, often referred to as “parkland courses,” are usually more manicured and contain lush, tree-lined fairways, with defined rough and strategic water hazards. They are designed to be more sheltered from the wind, offering a different type of challenge compared to the open, exposed links courses.

Links courses embrace the raw, natural state of their coastal landscapes. The ground tends to be harder and the grass shorter, which affects ball behavior, encouraging a ground game where golfers must play more along the earth, using the contours of the land to their advantage.

The allure of links golf lies in its simplicity and its challenge—the game as it was originally played, against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. Whether in Scotland or North America, these courses provide a profound connection to the elements, offering a pure golf experience that is as mentally challenging as it is physically.

Continue Reading

Blog

TGL, Skins, and the World Series of Golf—Oh My!

Explore golf’s thrilling new formats—from TGL’s digital arenas to high-stakes Skins and poker-inspired World Series of Golf, as Ty Webb humorously guides you through the game’s exciting evolution.

Avatar photo

Published

on

By

Hey there, fellow golfers, duffers, and sand-trap enthusiasts! Ty Webb here—ready to chat about a topic almost as intriguing as the mysterious forces that cause your golf balls to magnetically find water hazards. The game we love is changing faster than Judge Smails’ mood after a missed putt, and these new formats are shaking things up faster than my backswing (which, I’ll remind you, is flawless).

First up, we’ve got TGL—Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s brainchild. Imagine golf, but in a high-tech simulator arena, with live crowds and digital drama. It’s like playing a round inside a video game—minus the reset button. It’s fast, it’s futuristic, and it might just make traditionalists clutch their cardigan sweaters a little tighter. But hey, change can be good—like switching from a putter that doesn’t work to another putter that doesn’t work.

ADVERTISEMENT

Then we’ve got the Skins Game, golf’s original “put your money where your mouth is” contest. It’s straightforward—win a hole, win some cash. Lose a hole, watch your buddy strut around like he’s just sunk a 90-footer at Augusta. The Skins format keeps the stakes high, the tension higher, and friendships on the line. It’s golf with bravado, swagger, and a bit of friendly financial risk—exactly how I like my weekends.

And finally, we have the World Series of Golf—imagine poker and golf decided to collaborate, and neither was sober at the time. Players bet on each hole, raising, folding, and bluffing their way through a round. It’s as much about strategy and psychological warfare as it is about hitting a decent tee shot. One moment you’re all-in, the next you’re questioning every life decision you’ve ever made. Classic golf, am I right?

So there you have it, friends. Golf isn’t just changing—it’s evolving, innovating, and occasionally terrifying the purists. But rest easy, because whether you’re in a virtual arena, sweating over Skins cash, or bluffing your way through the World Series of Golf, the spirit of the game remains: hit the ball, find the ball, repeat as necessary. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with destiny—and a very forgiving 9-iron.

Fore!

Continue Reading

Blog

How to control your anger on the golf course

Golf is a game of precision, patience—and sometimes, pure frustration. Here’s how to manage your emotions when the pressure builds, and what we can all learn from high-profile blowups like Adam Hadwin’s sprinkler-smashing moment.

Avatar photo

Published

on

Golf and Anger: A Tough Combo on the Course

Golf is often praised as a game of mental toughness. Yet even the most seasoned professionals are not immune to letting emotions get the best of them. Just ask Adam Hadwin, who, during the 2025 Valspar Championship, made headlines after smashing a sprinkler head in frustration during his round at Innisbrook.

The moment—caught on camera—spread quickly across social media, sparking debates around sportsmanship, mental health, and the psychological toll of high-pressure competition. But while it’s easy to point fingers, the truth is: golf is hard. And controlling anger on the golf course is a skill many of us are still trying to master.

Why Golf Makes Us So Angry

Let’s be honest—golf can feel cruel. One minute you’re striping drives down the fairway, and the next, you’re chipping back and forth across a green like you’ve never held a club before. It’s a game that challenges both your skill and your patience.

The mental pressure in golf is unique:

  • You’re often alone with your thoughts.
  • There’s time to stew between shots.
  • Every swing carries weight, especially in competition.
  • And most golfers are their own worst critics.

For pros like Hadwin, there’s the added layer of TV cameras, fans, sponsors, and expectations. But even for weekend warriors, the emotional stakes feel real.

The Consequences of Losing Control

Lashing out in anger might feel good in the moment—but it rarely helps your game. In fact, it often leads to a downward spiral:

ADVERTISEMENT

  • Loss of focus
  • Tension in the swing
  • Poor decision-making
  • Embarrassment or regret afterward

Hadwin’s sprinkler moment is a prime example of how pressure can boil over—even for seasoned tour pros. But it’s also a reminder that anger, if left unchecked, can sabotage your performance and your reputation.

How to Manage Anger on the Golf Course

So what can you do when the frustration starts to build? Here are proven anger management tips for golfers that can help you stay calm, focused, and in control.

1. Recognize the Warning Signs

Before you snap, your body often sends subtle signals—tight chest, clenched jaw, shallow breathing. Learn to recognize these cues so you can catch yourself early.

2. Have a Reset Routine

Pros like Jon Rahm and Collin Morikawa use breathing exercises, grounding techniques, or visual routines between shots. Try:

  • Taking a deep breath through your nose and exhaling slowly.
  • Looking at the treetops or sky for a few seconds to reset your focus.
  • Repeating a calming phrase like “next shot” or “stay loose.”

3. Walk It Off

Walking between shots gives you a chance to cool down—literally and mentally. Use that time to reset and detach emotionally from the last swing.

4. Use Humor or Self-Talk

Sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine. Making a light comment or reminding yourself it’s just a game can diffuse tension and help you stay grounded.

5. Set Process Goals, Not Outcome Goals

Instead of obsessing over score, focus on things you can control—like tempo, alignment, or course management. This shift in mindset can reduce frustration when things don’t go perfectly.

6. Keep Perspective

Ask yourself: “Will I remember this shot a week from now?” If not, it’s probably not worth the outburst. Golf is a lifelong game—one bad hole doesn’t define you.

Golf Is an Emotional Game—But It’s Also a Teacher

Every round presents an opportunity—not just to shoot a lower score, but to practice patience, resilience, and grace under pressure. Yes, moments like Adam Hadwin’s sprinkler smash are dramatic. But they’re also human.

The key isn’t to avoid frustration altogether—it’s learning how to respond to it.

So next time you chunk a wedge or lip out a birdie putt, take a breath. Channel your inner pro—not the angry one—and move on to the next shot with purpose.

Because in golf, as in life, how you handle the tough moments says more than any scorecard ever could.

Continue Reading

Trending

Click here to get all the latest golf news

Close