"Mulligan" golf shot (1947, 1949)

[Bapopik at AOL.COM]

   The revised OED (March 2003) has 1949 for the "Mulligan" golf shot.  It remains one of our most puzzling name etymologies.



  Celebrities Find Ball Is Impassive And Elusive on Washington Links; CELEBRITIES FIND GOLF BALL ELUSIVE; By The Associated Press; New York Times (1857-Current file), New York, N.Y.; Jun 5, 1949; pg. S1, 2 pgs
("The tempo was set on the first tee where the players were permitted mulligans, or second and third shots if necessary, which was often.")

  Bing Crosby, Sarazen Lead Golf Field; POVICH; By Shirley Povich Post Reporter; The Washington Post (1877-1954), Washington, D.C.; May 18, 1947; pg. M8, 2 pgs
("General Eisenhower got away from the first tee gracefully on his second shot, taking advantage of the rule of 'Mulligans,' to smite one far down the middle after hooking his first shot into the trees.")