Muirfield

Muirfield golf course in Scotland
LC Lambrecht
3 Photos

Muirfield

  • Course Type

    Semi-Private
  • GOLF Top 100 World Rank (2023-24)

    12
  • Year

    1891
  • Architects

    Old Tom Morris, 1891 / H.S. Colt, 1925
  • Par

    71
  • Yardage

    7,245

Course Overview

This 16-time Open venue so impressed Jack Nicklaus in his 1966 win there that he named his own course in Ohio after it. Tom Weiskopf cites Muirfield’s primary appeal: “The continuous change in direction from hole to hole leads to different winds, great balance and maximum variety.” The course enjoys a relentless sense of perfection with its near vertical greenside bunker faces exacting a heavy toll on those that stray. The absence of artificial mounding coupled with features sunk into the ground lend this low-profile course a sublime beauty. Indeed, when you reflect on its clean lines, you realize how overshaped and junky most designs are. The one-shot 13th into a saddle and the reachable, three-shot 17th are two of its standout holes. (Photo: LC Lambrecht)

3 things to know

  • Hole everyone talks about

    Muirfield’s closing hole features a difficult, often windy tee shot into a fairway dotted with bunkers, followed by an approach to a well-guarded, sloping green with the iconic clubhouse looming steps off the putting surface.
  • Best non-golf amenity

    The famous clubhouse at Muirfield transports you to an older era of golf, and its walls are covered in the illustrious history of the club and the game.
  • Insider tip

    Though Muirfield is private with an esteemed member roster, visitors are welcome to play on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year.