How many of you jump out of your car, run to the first tee, and proceed to pound a ball into the woods? Or, your course does not have a range so there is no place warm up and you duff your first tee shot. These are not unusual events in golf and as such the creation of the “breakfast ball” has gained significant popularity. It is a way to make golf fun and I think this is not such a bad idea.

For those unfamiliar with the term “breakfast ball”, it is basically a mulligan on the first tee. Many players have challenges hitting their first tee shot of the day and to avoid starting off with a penalty have adopted the idea of hitting another ball in play. It offers an opportunity to start their round off on the correct foot.

If you are wondering, the concept of a “breakfast ball” is very popular as noted by the results of a poll I ran:

Do you use a "breakfast ball" (mulligan) on the first tee? #golfchat

— The Grateful Golfer (@TheGratefulGolf) July 14, 2020

Basically half the players in golf use a mulligan on the first tee. Of the many respondents, most use it when they did not have any time to warm up. And, that is a legit statement. To make it all legal, Jake Weaver came up with the perfect loophole:

It's only legal if you decide to quit the round you're currently playing, then start a new round immediately after quitting. pic.twitter.com/Bk4Ho0dwvK

— Jake Weaver (@Golfer_Jake_78) July 14, 2020

Brilliant Jake, just brilliant!

To be fair to all respondents, there were a few that were adamant that this practice was rubbish. If it is not part of the rules, it is not part of the game. I respect their view, however unless you are playing in a tournament, I do not see the harm of a “breakfast ball” on the first tee only. For all purposes, does it really matter. Is this a question that has us chasing a rabbit down the rabbit hole?

I have to admit that I have used a “breakfast ball” from time to time. We have no practice facility at my golf course and it generally takes the first couple of swings to warm up….just a bit. So, starting my round off with a ball in play is good for me mentally and it is just more fun. I do not employ this practice all the time, but sometimes we are out there just to have fun. And before anyone asks, I sometimes use this score in my handicap. I know many will think this a bad practice, but golf so much that this practice has little to no impact on my overall index. However, in a competition, everything is strictly by the book!

The “breakfast ball” is designed to make golf fun. For 50% of the people, they do not see a harm in this practice. Personally, I do not either and I do not care if players want to use it outside of competitions. I do believe in the rules and follow them very closely when I play. However, from time to time, I just want to have some fun and hitting a ball in play off the first tee is a great way to start.

Do you ever use a “breakfast ball”?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!