What the London Mulligan rule is and when it applies
The London Mulligan rule is a local rule in golf that allows a player to take a second drop after an initial free drop fails to land in a playable position. It is commonly used in amateur competitions and club events in the London area. Under this rule, if a ball first dropped within one club-length of the original spot rolls into an unsuitable location, the player may lift, realign, and drop again without penalty. It is not part of the Rules of Golf published by The R&A and USGA, so its use is limited to events that explicitly adopt it.
Origins and background of the London Mulligan
The rule emerged in amateur golf circles in and around London, where organizers sought a compromise between strict rules and pace of play. By allowing a do-over when the initial drop ends in a poor location, it reduces time spent searching for balls and encourages quicker continuation of play. The rule is not recognized in professional tournaments or governed rounds, and it should only be used when all competitors agree to its application beforehand.
How the London Mulligan rule works in practice
To apply the London Mulligan, a player first makes a normal free drop near the original spot, typically within one club-length. If that ball comes to rest in a clearly inappropriate place, such as behind a tree or on an abnormal course condition, the player may lift the ball, realign it within the same relief area, and drop it again without adding a penalty stroke. The second drop must still comply with the original relief conditions, including not nearer the hole.
Key conditions and limitations
- The rule only applies after the initial drop has already been taken.
- Both drops must occur within the permitted relief area, usually one club-length from the original spot.
- Subsequent drops must not be nearer the hole than the original spot.
- It is not permitted in stroke play where strict rules compliance is required unless explicitly stated otherwise.
When and where the rule is used
The London Mulligan is most common in club competitions, charity events, and social matches that specify its use in their conditions of competition. Because it modifies standard relief procedures, it must be announced in advance and agreed by all players. Organizers may choose to use it to speed up play or accommodate difficult course conditions, but it should never be assumed to be available on public or medal rounds.
London Mulligan rule vs standard relief procedures
Under the official Rules of Golf, a dropped ball must not be re-dropped if it rolls out of the designated relief area, except in specific limited circumstances. The London Mulligan provides an exception by permitting a second drop when the first drop ends in an unsatisfactory position. This contrasts with standard rules, where a ball that rolls out of bounds or into a penalty area requires different relief options and may involve a penalty stroke.
Comparison table
| Aspect | London Mulligan rule | Standard Rules of Golf |
|---|---|---|
| Number of allowed drops | Up to two drops in relief area | Typically one drop, limited re-drops only in specific situations |
| Penalty for original breach | No penalty when used as a local rule | Two-stroke penalty in stroke play or loss of hole in match play for certain breaches |
| Where it can be used | Club events and competitions that adopt it locally | All rounds governed by The R&A and USGA rules |
| Dropping distance | Within one club-length of original spot | Within one club-length for free relief, same requirement |
| Direction and distance limits | Not nearer the hole | Not nearer the hole |
Practical tips for using or allowing the rule
Players should confirm in advance whether an event adopts the London Mulligan rule and clearly communicate its scope. Organizers should specify the relief area size, whether the second drop can roll out of bounds, and any additional restrictions. For casual play, documenting the rule in the conditions of competition can prevent disputes. Players unfamiliar with local rules should ask the committee or event organizers before assuming the rule is in effect.
Frequently asked questions
Because the London Mulligan modifies normal relief behavior, golfers often ask how it interacts with other parts of the rules. It applies only after the initial drop and does not change how penalty areas, bunkers, or obstructions are treated. It also does not allow players to keep re-dropping until they find a favorable position. Proper use requires strict adherence to the defined relief area and the principle that the ball must not be placed nearer the hole.
Summary
The London Mulligan rule is a local adjustment to golf relief procedures that permits a second drop when the first drop lands in an unsuitable spot. It is intended to speed up play and simplify recovery in difficult lies, but it is not part of the official rules and must be agreed by all competitors before a round. Understanding its boundaries, conditions, and differences from standard relief helps players use it correctly and avoid misunderstandings on the course.