NATIONAL MULLIGAN DAY | OCTOBER 17
National Mulligan Day is observed annually on October 17th.
#NationalMulliganDay
In golf, a mulligan happens when a player gets a second chance to perform a specific move or action. The day offers an opportunity for giving yourself a second chance or, as some people call it, a “do-over.”
According to the United States Golf Association (USGA), three different stories explain the origin of the term. The first derives from the name of a Canadian golfer, David Mulligan, a one-time manager of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, who played golf in the 1920s. A different, later, etymology gives credit to John A. “Buddy” Mulligan, a locker room attendant at Essex Fells C.C., New Jersey, in the 1930s. Another story, according to author Henry Beard, states that the term comes from Thomas Mulligan, a minor Anglo-Irish aristocrat and a passionate golfer who was born in 1793.
According to the United States Golf Association (USGA), the term first achieved widespread use in the 1940s.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL MULLIGAN DAY
We can all think of something that at one point in time, we have said, “I wish I could do that over.” Celebrate the day by taking your do-over. Also, be considerate and offer a Mulligan to a few friends and neighbors out there. Some days we all deserve it. Use #NationalMulliganDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL MULLIGAN DAY HISTORY
C. Daniel Rhodes of Hoover, AL, National Mulligan Day as a way to give everyone a day to have a fresh start. Along with Mulligan Day, Rhodes created Brother’s Day (May 24) and National Garage Sale Day (Second Saturday in August).
Mulligan FAQ
Q. What else does Mulligan mean?
A. Well, a Mulligan stew is made from whatever food is handy giving those leftovers a second chance. It’s also a surname originating in Ireland.
Q. Does taking a Mulligan mean you’re cheating?
A. No. In a casual game of golf, if you ask for and are granted a Mulligan, it’s important to acknowledge the generosity and give your next swing and the rest of the game your best shot. However, Mulligans are not allowed in competitive play.
Q. Can you take too many Mulligans?
A. Yes. There are only so many second chances in life. To receive one on the links isn’t a whole lot different. If you’re always giving your best, you shouldn’t need too many Mulligans anyway. You’ll have improved so much, you’ll be the one granting them instead.
October 17th Celebrated History
1814
When an iron ring holding together a fermentation tank snapped at the Horse Shoe Brewery in St. Giles, London, the ensuing flood collapsed one of the brewery walls sending a tidal wave of beer into the streets of Tottenham Court Road. The exploding vat also damaged other vats in the brewery causing more than 320,000 gallons of beer to fill basements and damage to surrounding houses. In the aftermath, 8 people died as a result of the fermented fury.
1855
Sir Henry Bessemer patented his steelmaking process that would later become known as the Bessemer Process. By blowing air into molten pig iron, Bessemer used oxidation to remove impurities from the iron.
1907
Guglielmo Marconi begins the first commercial transatlantic wireless telegraph service.
1919
Twelve years later, General Electric incorporates the Radio Corporation of America. With assistance from the United States Navy Department, RCA acquired the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company.
1937
Donald Duck’s nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie appear in a comic strip for the first time.
1979
Congress passes the Department of Education Organization Act creating the U.S. Department of Education.
1997
At the United States National Skydiving Championship in Perris Valley, CA, an international team of jumpers sets a world record for the largest canopy formation by women using 25 parachutes.
October 17th Celebrated Birthdays
Jupiter Hammon -1711
As the first published African American poet, he is considered the father of African American Literature. Born into slavery, Hammon received an education, learned to read and was allowed use of the manor library.
Henry Campbell Black – 1860
Although the lawyer didn’t practice law for long, he did author the first comprehensive law dictionary – Black’s Law Dictionary.
Mildred Knopf – 1898
Armed with a love of cooking, Knopf authored six cookbooks including Cook, My Darling Daughter and Around the World: A Cookbook for Young People. She also shared her memories of it all in Memoirs of a Cook.
Shinichi Suzuki – 1898
The self-taught musician was also a philosopher and educator. His love of music and education led Suzuki to developed the Suzuki method of teaching music.
Arthur Miller – 1915
The Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright is best known for the plays The Crucible, Death of a Salesman and All My Sons.
Violet Milstead – 1919
The Canadian pilot joined the Air Transport Auxiliary during World War II, delivering planes to the military squadrons. She’s also Canada’s first woman bush pilot and earned numerous awards for her service.
Priscilla Buckley – 1921
For 27 years, the journalist and author was the managing editor for the National Review.
Evel Knievel – 1938
Known for his dramatic jumps, Knievel was the Harry Houdini of daredevils. Throughout his career he made more than 75 jumps on his motorcycles wowing spectators around the world.
Mae C Jemison – 1956
The chemical engineer and physician became the first African American woman in space. On September 12, 1992, Jemison along with six other astronauts flew into space aboard the space shuttle Endeavor.
Mike Judge – 1962
The animator created the television series Beavis and Butt-Head. He is also co-creator of the animated series King of the Hill and Mike Judge Presents: Tales from the Tour Bus.
