A mulligan is an informal do-over, not a free replay provided by the Rules of Golf. A provisional ball is a defined procedure used when the original might be out of bounds or lost outside a penalty area. It can save a walk back, but it is not permission to choose the better shot.
What do golfers mean by a mulligan?
In a casual game, a group may use “mulligan” to mean ignoring an unsuccessful shot and trying again. Different groups can mean different things by that agreement. It should not be confused with a score made under the Rules or with an authorised relief procedure.
The R&A's Rule 1 explains the player's responsibility to apply the Rules. Agree what sort of game you are playing before starting; a friendly custom does not automatically become valid in a competition.
When is a provisional allowed?
Under Rule 18.3, a provisional can be used when the original ball might be out of bounds or lost outside a penalty area. If the only possible place it could be lost is inside a penalty area, that provisional procedure is not available.
Announce your intention before the stroke. Using the word “provisional” makes the purpose clear. If nobody is nearby to hear, the Rule allows you to inform someone when possible. Simply playing another ball without the required announcement can put that ball into play under stroke and distance.
The USGA's provisional-ball lesson explains the procedure and playing from the previous spot. It is a time-saving precaution with conditions, not a replay offered because you disliked a shot.
A simple tee-shot example
Imagine your first tee shot may be out of bounds. You correctly announce and play a provisional from the tee. If the original is confirmed out of bounds, the provisional becomes the ball in play with one penalty stroke for stroke and distance.
The first tee shot counts as one, the penalty adds one and the stroke at the provisional counts as the third. Your next stroke with that ball would therefore be your fourth. It is not a second attempt counted as a fresh first shot.
The USGA's lost-ball and provisional overview explains the stroke-and-distance context. This example assumes no other penalty or exceptional circumstance.
What happens if you find the original?
If the original is found on the course outside a penalty area within the three-minute search time, and the provisional has not already become the ball in play, continue with the original and abandon the provisional. You cannot keep the provisional simply because it has the better lie.
Rule 18.3 also explains when a provisional becomes the ball in play, including playing it from nearer the hole than the original is estimated to be. The location and sequence matter. If the original is found in a penalty area, or is known or virtually certain to be there, follow the applicable penalty-area procedure rather than treating the provisional as a choice of shots.
Keep the three situations separate
| Situation | Key distinction |
|---|---|
| Informal mulligan | A group's casual do-over arrangement, not a free replay under the Rules. |
| Provisional ball | A correctly announced, conditional procedure for the relevant uncertainty. |
| Ball played under stroke and distance | The ball in play with the applicable penalty, rather than a choice between shots. |
A separate Local Rule may provide an alternative for a lost or out-of-bounds ball when the Committee has adopted it. Do not assume it is in effect. Our comparison is about the distinction between an informal replay and a provisional, rather than a complete guide to every relief option.
Make the situation easier to explain
Use an identifying mark that lets you distinguish your balls. Pay attention to where each shot finishes, and explain what you did before asking for help. Our golf-ball markings guide covers identification separately.
If a competition situation is unclear, ask a referee or the Committee rather than settling it by choosing whichever ball gives the better score. For terminology, use our scoring glossary; for how different games use scores, read match play versus stroke play. A clear announcement and an accurate account of the sequence help everyone resolve the right question.