How To Play Reverse Mulligans in Golf

Every golfer knows what a mulligan is. But what about reverse mulligans? Playing reverse mulligans is a trendy, new game in golf that makes for drama and fun with your playing partners.

Trying out new games and formats on the golf course makes for exciting and memorable rounds. In this blog post, we will discuss how to play reverse mulligans on the golf course.

What is a Reverse Mulligan in Golf?

A “Reverse Mulligan” is the exact opposite of a regular Mulligan. In golf, a “Mulligan” is when a player gets to redo a poor shot without any penalty. Conversely, a “Reverse Mulligan” is when a player hits a good shot, and opposing players make them redo the shot, hoping that the second shot will not be as good.

How to Play the Reverse Mulligans Game in Golf

Reverse Mulligans make competition on the golf course a lot more interesting than typical stroke play. Reverse Mulligans are easy to learn, work with all skill levels, and are perfect for 1v1 or 2v2 formats.

Key Takeaways

• A reverse mulligan is when a golfer hits a good shot and the opponent makes them redo it, forcing the player to use the second shot instead of the first shot.
• Reverse mulligans can be played in 1v1 or 2v2 matches.
• Each team is typically allowed one reverse mulligan per hole.
• Reverse mulligans can be used on any shot, such as tee shots, approach shots, and putts.
• Reverse mulligans can be used in various formats, such as scrambles, stroke play, best ball, and match play.

Rules of Reverse Mulligans in Golf

The concept of reverse mulligans is simple and can be modified based on golfers’ preferences.

Adding reverse mulligans to a golf game can add excitement when playing against another golfer or teams of two.

Typically, each team can use one reverse mulligan per hole. If the opposing team hits a great approach shot, long drive, or tricky putt, you can use a reverse mulligan and force the opposing team to redo the shot. No matter the outcome of the reverse mulligan, the team that has to redo the shot is required to play the reverse mulligan shot.

The Strategy of Reverse Mulligans in Golf

Playing reverse mulligans makes for decision-making that becomes fairly strategic.

Choosing the appropriate time to call a reverse mulligan is crucial. 

For example, if the opposing team hits a long and straight drive, but you know they usually struggle off the tee, it might be a good time to use a reverse mulligan, making them redo the shot.

However, suppose the opposing team is typically consistent off the tee. In that case, you’re probably better off saving the reverse mulligan if they hit a tight approach shot or sink a difficult putt.

Remember, you are only allowed one reverse mulligan per hole, so knowing your playing partner’s skills and tendencies can be beneficial.

How to Play Reverse Mulligans in a Scramble

In a scramble, each team has one reverse mulligan to use per hole. You can either let the entire team hit the reverse mulligan or only make the player who hit the best shot use the reverse mulligan.

For example, in a 2v2 scramble, if player A on team one hits the best shot, team two can elect for only player A to redo the shot via reverse mulligan. Based on the outcome of player A’s shot, team one can elect to play either player B’s original shot or player A’s reverse mulligan. 

Another example is the same idea, but both player A and player B hit the reverse mulligan, and team one can choose the best shot.

How to Play Reverse Mulligans in Stroke Play

In 1v1 stroke play, each player can utilize one reverse mulligan per hole. If player 1 hits a great approach shot, for example, player 2 can elect to use a reverse mulligan and make player 1 redo the shot. Player 1 is then forced to use the second shot, no matter the outcome.

Each player will keep his or her total stroke score. The lowest score at the end of the round wins the match.

How to Play Reverse Mulligans in Best Ball

In a 2v2 best ball match, each team is allowed one reverse mulligan per hole. The reverse mulligan is only valid to use against one of the opposing players and cannot be used against multiple opposing players.

Final Thoughts on Reverse Mulligans

Reverse mulligans are a great way to spice up your weekly golf matches with friends. The strategic estimate of when and how to utilize reverse mulligans adds a wonderful layer of tactical thinking.

Nothing is more frustrating than hitting a great shot and being forced to redo it. On the other hand, it’s very fun to make an opposing player redo a shot in hopes of giving your team an advantage.