Ever thrown a disc and immediately wished you could try that shot again? Maybe you caught the first tree off the tee, or missed a putt you were sure you’d make. A second chance can make a round a lot more fun.
In disc golf, taking another attempt at a shot is often called a Mulligan—think of it as a do-over. Different events have different rules for how those extra attempts work.
A Cali league builds that second chance into your round. At KPLeagues Cali events, you get one extra throw on every hole, and you can choose to play either your original shot or the extra one. Use it to recover from a mistake, try a different line, or take a shot at the basket when your first throw is already close.
How does Cali work?
At KPLeagues Cali events, each player gets one extra throw per hole. You can use it on a drive, an approach, or a putt.
Throw again from the same lie, then choose whether to play your original shot or the extra one. The extra attempt itself doesn’t add a stroke to your score. Normal penalties still apply to the shot you choose.
- You get one extra throw per hole, not one on every shot.
- You don’t have to use it.
- Unused extra throws don’t carry over to the next hole.
- Once you use it, you play the rest of that hole without another extra attempt.
You’re still competing as an individual. Your cardmates are there to play, keep score, and watch you hit that second-shot putt.
What’s the difference between Cali and a Mulligan?
A Mulligan generally means taking another attempt at a shot. The rules depend on the event: some require you to use the replacement shot, some let you choose, and some limit how many you get during the round.
Cali is the format we use at KPLeagues: one extra throw on each hole, with the option to keep either shot.
You’ll hear us call that extra throw a “Mulligan,” too. The important part is knowing the rule: you don’t have to give up your first shot to try another one.
If you’re playing somewhere else, check that organizer’s rules. The names aren’t always used the same way.
Park one, then run one
This is the best part.
Put your first drive close to the basket, and you’ve earned a chance to take a more aggressive line with your second. Run the ace. Try that gap you were thinking about. See what happens.
The same idea works on approaches. Leave your first shot under the basket, then take a shot at throwing the next one in.
On the putting green, having your extra throw available gives you another chance to drain a putt. If your first attempt finishes parked, you can run the second knowing that easy comeback is still an option.
You can use Cali to recover from a rough shot, but it’s just as much fun when you use it after a good one.
When should I use my extra throw?
There’s no single right answer. That’s part of the game.
Shanked your drive into the first tree? Good time for a Mulligan. Take a breath, grab another disc, and try again. If the second shot is worse, you can still play the first.
Land in a decent spot with a tricky approach ahead? Maybe save it. Miss a birdie putt? If you still have your extra throw, take another look.
You’ll have holes where you wish you’d saved it and holes where you finish without needing it. Don’t overthink your first round. Use it when you want another chance and see what works for you.
How do I find a card?
Play with your squad, ask in a Facebook group, or meet other players at a meetup.
If you already have friends who want to play, pick an event and a time that works for everyone. Make sure your card meets the event’s requirements before heading out.
Coming on your own? Post in the KPLeagues Facebook group or a local disc golf group. Something simple works:
“Anyone playing First Cali-vary on Monday? Looking for a card around 4.”
Say which event you’re playing, when you’d like to start, and how many people you need. You can also reply when another player posts that they’re looking for a group.
Meetups are another good way to find cardmates. Come play, get to know a few people, and ask who’s interested in a Cali round. You don’t have to put together your whole disc golf crew before you start showing up. Our guide to disc golf meetups explains more.
For KPLeagues singles and Cali rounds, you need at least three registered, paid league players on your card, and all league players must use digital scoring. Check the current event details and get your card sorted before starting.
Do I need to be good at disc golf?
You don’t need a perfect drive or a reliable circle’s-edge putt to enjoy Cali. The extra throw gives you another chance to work out a hole, and choosing when to use it keeps things interesting as you improve.
Experienced players get to attack more shots. Newer players get a little breathing room after a mistake. Everybody still has to finish the hole.
What is a Provisional Mulligan?
Sometimes you can’t tell from your lie whether your shot landed in bounds or out of bounds. If you still have your Mulligan available, KPLeagues allows you to throw a Provisional Mulligan.
Before throwing, clearly tell your cardmates: “Provisional Mulligan.” If you don’t declare it beforehand, the extra shot counts as your regular Mulligan.
Once you find the original disc:
- Original shot is in bounds: You must play the original shot. Your Provisional Mulligan doesn’t count, and you still have your Mulligan available for that hole.
- Original shot is out of bounds: You may choose either shot under the applicable O.B. rules. Your Mulligan has now been used.
- Both shots are in bounds: You must play the original shot. You can’t choose the provisional just because it landed closer.
For example, your drive disappears near an O.B. line. You declare a Provisional Mulligan and throw again. When you reach the discs, you discover that your first drive stayed in bounds. You play that first drive and still have your Mulligan available for an approach or putt.
A Provisional Mulligan is conditional on the original shot being O.B. Your regular Cali throw lets you choose either result.
Read the full KPLeagues Cali and O.B. rules, and ask the league director if you’re unsure how a situation should be played.
Find your next Cali round
Ready to give Cali a try? Check out upcoming Cali events around the Twin Cities, pick a course and a day that work for you, and get your card together. Each event has its current schedule, entry details, and signup link.
Not sure where to start? First Cali-vary is one option. Bring your friends, or use the card-finding tips above to meet someone new.
And if you park the first one, go ahead and run the next.