Golf has plenty of unusual terminology, but few phrases are as confusing to newer players as breakfast ball, lunch ball, and alternate ball.
A breakfast ball is essentially an informal second first tee shot. If a golfer hits a poor opening drive, loses the ball, or simply dislikes the shot, they may hit another ball and pretend the first one never happened. The term is usually associated with casual rounds rather than formal competition.
A lunch ball is generally another name for the same practice, although terminology varies by region and group.
An alternate ball, however, can mean something different depending on the context. It may refer to a second ball played under a specific Rules of Golf procedure, or simply another ball used informally after a poor shot.
Understanding the difference matters because a casual “breakfast ball” and a ball played under the official Rules are not necessarily treated the same way.
Table of Contents
What Is a Breakfast Ball in Golf?
A breakfast ball is an informal second tee shot played after a golfer is unhappy with their first shot.
For example, imagine you arrive at the first tee early in the morning. You haven’t swung a club yet, your first drive goes 30 yards into the trees, and you immediately say:
“I’m taking a breakfast ball.“
You drop or tee another ball and hit again.
The second shot is the one you intend to use for the hole, while the first shot is effectively ignored for casual purposes.
Why Is It Called a Breakfast Ball?
The expression comes from the idea of having another chance after the golfer’s “first attempt of the day” goes badly.
It is particularly common on the first tee in the morning, hence the name “breakfast ball.”
The phrase is not an official term in the Rules of Golf.
There is no official golf rule called the breakfast ball rule.
Is a Breakfast Ball Legal in Golf?
That depends on what you mean by “legal.”
For a casual round among friends, golfers can agree to give themselves a second tee shot.
But if you are playing under the official Rules of Golf and intend to submit a score or compete in a competition, you generally cannot simply declare your first shot invalid and replay it because you disliked the result.
Once a ball has been put into play, you need a Rules-based reason to play another ball.
What Is a Lunch Ball in Golf?
A lunch ball is usually just another informal term for a breakfast ball.
The terminology can vary between golf clubs, countries and groups of golfers.
In practical terms, if somebody says:
“I’m taking a lunch ball.”
they normally mean:
“I’m going to hit another ball and use that one instead.”
There is no significant distinction between a breakfast ball and a lunch ball under the official Rules.
Breakfast Ball vs Lunch Ball
| Term | Typical Meaning | Official Golf Rule? |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast ball | Informal second first tee shot | No |
| Lunch ball | Informal second shot, often synonymous with breakfast ball | No |
| Mulligan | Informal replay of a shot | No |
| Provisional ball | Ball played when the original may be lost or out of bounds | Yes |
| Another ball under a Rules procedure | Ball played according to a specific Rule | Yes |
The important distinction is between informal replaying and playing another ball under an actual Rule.
What Is a Mulligan?
A breakfast ball is essentially a type of mulligan.
A mulligan is an informal second attempt at a shot without counting the first attempt, usually by agreement among players.
The most common situation is the first tee.
Breakfast Ball vs Mulligan
The two terms are often used interchangeably, but “breakfast ball” is more specific.
A mulligan can be taken on various shots during a casual round, whereas a breakfast ball generally refers to the first tee shot of the day.
| Feature | Breakfast Ball | Mulligan |
|---|---|---|
| Usually first tee? | Yes | Not necessarily |
| Second attempt? | Yes | Yes |
| Informal? | Yes | Yes |
| Official Rules procedure? | No | No |
| Can be agreed before a casual round? | Yes | Yes |
What Is an Alternate Ball in Golf?
“Alternate ball” is a more complicated expression because it can be used to describe different situations.
In casual conversation, someone might call any replacement or second ball an “alternate ball.”
Under the Rules of Golf, however, there are specific circumstances in which a golfer can play another ball.
The most important example for ordinary golfers is the provisional ball.
What Is a Provisional Ball?
A provisional ball is a second ball played when your original ball might be lost outside a penalty area or might be out of bounds.
For example, you hit your tee shot toward a wooded area and cannot tell whether the ball is:
- Still playable
- Lost
- Out of bounds
Instead of walking all the way down the hole to search and potentially having to return to the tee, you can announce that you are playing a provisional ball and hit another.
If the original ball is found in bounds within the applicable search period, you normally continue with the original ball.
If the original ball is lost or out of bounds, the provisional becomes the ball in play under the applicable procedure.
A Provisional Ball Is Not a Breakfast Ball
This is one of the most important distinctions.
A breakfast ball is:
“I don’t like my first shot, so I’m going to hit another.”
A provisional ball is:
“I think my first ball may be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds, so I’m playing another ball to save time.”
Those are completely different situations.
What Happens If You Hit a Second Ball Without Calling It Provisional?
This is where golfers can get into trouble.
If your original ball may be lost or out of bounds and you want to play a provisional, you need to make it clear that the second ball is provisional.
Simply hitting another ball without making the required announcement can result in the second ball becoming the ball in play under the Rules rather than functioning as a provisional.
For a competitive round, this distinction can be critical.
How to Announce a Provisional Ball
A golfer should clearly indicate that they are playing a provisional ball.
For example:
“I’m playing a provisional.”
or
“Provisional.”
Simply saying:
“I’m hitting another one.”
can create ambiguity.
When playing competitively, clear communication is the safest approach.
Can You Take a Breakfast Ball in a Casual Round?
Yes, if everyone agrees to the house rules before or during the casual round.
Golfers frequently create informal rules for friendly games.
For example, a group might agree:
- One breakfast ball on the first tee
- One mulligan per nine holes
- No breakfast balls in matches
- Breakfast balls allowed only before the first drive is completed
The important thing is that everyone understands the agreement.
Should You Count a Breakfast Ball?
If you are playing strictly by the Rules of Golf, the first shot cannot simply disappear because you did not like it.
If you’re playing a casual social round, your group can agree to whatever format you want.
However, you should not describe a score made using breakfast balls or mulligans as a Rules-compliant score for purposes where the Rules matter.
When Is a Second Ball Actually Allowed?
There are several legitimate situations where a golfer can play another ball.
| Situation | Another Ball Allowed? | Typical Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| You dislike your drive | No automatic replay | Casual mulligan only |
| Ball may be lost outside penalty area | Yes | Provisional ball |
| Ball may be out of bounds | Yes | Provisional ball |
| Original ball is lost | Yes | Stroke-and-distance or another applicable relief |
| Ball is unplayable | Yes | Unplayable-ball relief |
| Ball is damaged | Yes | Replacement under the Rules |
| Playing two balls under a Rules procedure | Sometimes | Specific Rule applies |
| Casual breakfast ball | Only by agreement | Informal |
The exact procedure depends on why the original ball cannot or should not be played.
What If Your First Tee Shot Goes Out of Bounds?
Suppose your first drive crosses the boundary line.
You cannot simply say:
“I’ll take a breakfast ball.”
and play another shot without accounting for the first shot if you’re playing under the Rules.
A ball that is out of bounds normally requires stroke-and-distance relief, unless a local rule providing an alternative procedure applies.
If you played a provisional before discovering the original ball was out of bounds, the provisional may become the ball in play.
What If Your First Ball Is Lost?
If you hit your first drive into deep rough or woods and cannot find it, the Rules provide specific procedures.
In many cases, the penalty is stroke and distance, meaning you play another ball from the required location and add one penalty stroke.
That is very different from a breakfast ball, where the golfer simply ignores the original shot.
Can You Take a Breakfast Ball in a Competition?
Generally, no.
If the competition is being played under the Rules of Golf, players cannot invent a second first tee shot simply because the first one was poor.
The first shot remains part of the score unless a Rule provides another procedure.
This is why golfers should be careful about using informal terms such as “mulligan” or “breakfast ball” when playing in tournaments.
Why Do Golfers Use Breakfast Balls?
There are several reasons.
It Helps With First-Tee Nerves
The first tee can create considerable pressure.
Golfers may have been sitting in the clubhouse, drinking coffee, talking with playing partners and thinking about the opening shot.
A poor first drive can therefore be partly psychological.
A breakfast ball gives the golfer another chance to settle down.
It Makes Casual Golf More Enjoyable
Not every round is about posting a handicap score.
For a relaxed weekend game, friends may prefer to spend less time searching for balls and more time enjoying the course.
It Can Be a Warm-Up
Some golfers use the first tee as their first real swing of the day.
From a purely practical perspective, having a second opportunity can make the opening hole more enjoyable.
However, if you want to improve your game, it is usually better to warm up before the round rather than rely on a breakfast ball.
Are Breakfast Balls Good for Your Golf Game?
They can be fun, but they can also hide weaknesses.
If you always get a second chance after a poor first tee shot, you may never learn how to handle the consequences of an imperfect drive.
The Problem With Always Taking Mulligans
Suppose you hit:
- First drive: huge slice
- Breakfast ball: perfect drive
You may finish the hole thinking you drove the ball well.
But your first swing may reveal a genuine problem with:
- Alignment
- Clubface control
- Swing path
- Tempo
- Pre-shot routine
- Tee-shot strategy
If you always erase the bad shot, you lose useful feedback.
A Better Approach
If you are practicing rather than simply playing socially, hit both balls and keep track of both results.
That gives you useful information.
For example:
| Drive | Result |
|---|---|
| First ball | 25 yards right |
| Second ball | Fairway |
| Difference | Start line/face control needs attention |
That is much more valuable for improvement than pretending the first shot never happened.
Breakfast Ball Etiquette
If you are playing with other golfers, don’t assume everyone uses the same rules.
Before teeing off, establish the group’s expectations.
Good Casual-Golf Etiquette
Ask something simple:
“Are we playing breakfast balls today?”
If everyone agrees, decide whether there are limits.
For example:
- One per round
- First tee only
- No mulligans after the first hole
- Everyone gets the same number
- Not allowed in the match portion of the game
This avoids arguments later.
Breakfast Ball Rules for Handicap Golf
If you are keeping a score for handicap purposes, you should not simply delete a poor shot and substitute a breakfast ball.
Handicap scores need to be established according to the applicable rules and procedures.
A casual score containing mulligans is therefore not equivalent to a properly played Rules-of-Golf round.
This distinction is particularly important if you are trying to maintain an accurate handicap.
Breakfast Ball, Mulligan and Provisional: What’s the Difference?
| Term | Meaning | Counts Under Rules? |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast ball | Informal second first tee shot | No |
| Lunch ball | Informal second shot, often same as breakfast ball | No |
| Mulligan | Informal replay | No |
| Provisional ball | Second ball played when original may be lost or out of bounds | Yes |
| Replacement ball | Ball substituted under an applicable Rule | Yes |
| Unplayable-ball relief | New ball played after taking penalty relief | Yes |
The easiest way to remember the difference is:
Mulligan = permission from your playing group.
Provisional = permission from the Rules for a specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a breakfast ball in golf?
A breakfast ball is an informal second attempt at the first tee shot, usually after a golfer hits a poor opening drive. It is essentially a type of mulligan and is not an official term in the Rules of Golf.
Is a breakfast ball legal?
It can be perfectly acceptable in a casual round if everyone agrees to the practice. It is not an official Rules-of-Golf procedure, however.
What is the difference between a breakfast ball and a provisional ball?
A breakfast ball is an informal replay. A provisional ball is a second ball played when the original may be lost outside a penalty area or may be out of bounds, following the Rules of Golf.
Do you have to announce a provisional ball?
You should clearly state that the ball is provisional before playing it. Saying “provisional” or “I’m playing a provisional” avoids confusion about which ball is being played under the Rules.
Does a breakfast ball count toward your score?
Not in the usual informal sense because the golfer is choosing to disregard the first attempt. If you are playing under the Rules, however, you cannot simply erase a stroke because you disliked it.
Final Takeaway
A breakfast ball is simply a friendly golfer’s way of saying, “Let me have another first tee shot.”
A lunch ball is usually the same idea under a different name.
A mulligan is the broader term for an informal replay.
A provisional ball, on the other hand, is an official Rules-of-Golf procedure used when your original ball may be lost outside a penalty area or may be out of bounds.
So the easiest way to remember it is:
Breakfast ball = casual second chance.
Lunch ball = usually another name for a second chance.
Mulligan = informal replay.
Provisional = official second ball used for a specific Rules situation.
If you’re playing a relaxed round with friends, agreeing on a breakfast-ball policy before the first tee is perfectly straightforward. If you’re playing competitively, maintaining a handicap, or trying to record an accurate Rules-of-Golf score, leave the breakfast ball behind and play the original shot according to the applicable Rules.
Discover the meticulous and expert-driven process behind our product reviews at Sportic Media. Our comprehensive guide, led by industry veterans, ensures you get the most reliable and detailed insights into golf equipment. Dive into our methodical approach by visiting How We Test Products at Sportic Media: A Comprehensive Guide
.
