Three golf myths worth retiring

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Facts & Etiquette · 2-minute lesson

Three golf myths worth retiring

Learn why a gimme, a free drop, and a friendly mulligan are not universal golf rules.

By Fore Alarm · Updated October 31, 2026

“That putt is good” works everywhere

Concessions are part of match play. They do not replace holing out in regular stroke play. Know your format before picking up.

Free relief means a nice lie

Nearest complete relief is a procedure, not a promise of fairway grass. Evaluate the available relief before you lift your ball.

Everyone gets a breakfast ball

A casual group can agree how it wants to enjoy a social outing, but a mulligan is not a standard Rules-of-Golf entitlement. Keep casual arrangements separate from competition scoring.

Take it to the course

Ask “Which rule or event condition applies?” before treating a familiar phrase as permission.

Competition formats: Rule 3 · Relief: Rule 16

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Independent educational summaries. Official Rules, Local Rules and competition conditions govern. Fore Alarm is not affiliated with the USGA or The R&A. Progress is saved only in this browser when storage is available.