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Muirfield Golf Club, the home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, is entrenched among the elite of world golfing venues, and boasts one of the finest links courses to be found anywhere in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Considered by many to be the best golf course in Scotland, Muirfield is the ideal place to experience a golf tour or break in East Lothian.

The challenge at Muirfield is one not seen at many other links golf courses with the front 9 being played in a clockwise loop with the back 9 being played in an anti-clockwise loop. With the 9th and 18th holes returning back to the clubhouse, this means golfers have a different wind to play against on every shot with slight changes in angle meaning it is tricky to get into a rhythm.

As one of the most historical golf clubs in the world, the clubhouse is almost that of a museum with golfing traditions that go back over hundreds of years on display including a homage to the rich tournament play that has been enjoyed at Muirfield since it's 1st Open Championship in 1892.

Muirfield Golf Club

Golf Courses at Muirfield Golf Club

Muirfield Golf Club

Located at the eastern end of the magical East Lothian town of Gullane, whose character is inherently tied to golf, Muirfield occupies a stretch of coastline that is seemingly god-given for golf.

The austere society's history can be traced back to 1744, when Edinburgh's gentry played over five holes on the Leith Links, but the Company has long since occupied the majestic Muirfield turf. As the jewel in the crown of East Lothian golf, Muirfield is a must visit course as part of your next golf breaks in Scotland.

16 Open Championships, the most recent in 2013, are testament to the outstanding quality of Muirfield's links layout, which features with unerring regularity in any credible list of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the world. The outward nine runs clockwise and envelops the anti-clockwise inward half, demanding that golfers tackle the relentless seaside wind from every angle. Muirfield certainly does not lack admirers, but the head of the queue is occupied by the great Jack Nicklaus, who chose to pay homage by naming his Ohio resort after the East Lothian gem.

The course's original design has changed since initially being laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1891. These design alterations were influenced by some of the leading amateur golfers of the time who were members of the club, the course was developed yet further with futher land acquisitions in 1923 and consultancy by Harry S. Colt, whose famous designs include Sunningdale, Wentworth and Royal Portrush, as a result of this, Muirfield quickly became seen as one of the very best golf courses in the world. Whilst there have been some slight alterations since then, including Tom Simpson's remodelling of the par-3 13th hole (an outstanding short hole with an elevated green protected by dunes and superb bunkering) and Martin Hawtree's review which resulted in work to introduce new bunkering and tee positions over the winters of 2010 and 2011, the course remains true to Colt's original work.

Golfers who have triumphed at Muirfield include some of the very best in the game, including most recently Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. It is however five-time Open Champion Tom Watson who takes the acclaim as lowest winner at Muirfield with a total of 271 in claiming the 1980 Open Championship, Mickelson's total in 2013 was ten shots higher.

During previous Open Championships at Muirfield, the 8th hole has traditionally played the most difficult, whilst the short par-4 11th has been the easiest in relation to par. The course is now defended by 148 bunkers.

For golf in its purest sense there are few courses that can rival Muirfield, which promises to be a truly magical experience.

Muirfield is ranked as one of the best courses in Scotland

Course Information

Par 72
Designed by Old Tom Morris, Harry Colt, Tom Simpson, Martin Hawtree
Opened for play 1891
Previousley hosted 16 Open Championships

Tees

White 7,245 yards SSS 73
Yellow 6,728 yards SSS 73
Blue 5,980 yards SSS 73
Red 6,728 yards SSS 76

The Open history at Muirfield

Muirfield has held The Open sixteen times and was the fourth course added to The Open rota after Prestwick, St Andrews & Musselburgh.

The Open at Muirfield

Year Winner Country Score
2013 Phil Mickelson USA -3
2002 Ernie Els South Africa -6
1992 Nick Faldo England -12
1987 Nick Faldo England -5
1980 Tom Watson USA -13
1972 Lee Trevino USA -6
1966 Jack Nicklaus USA -2
1959 Gary Player South Africa E
1948 Henry Cotton England E
1935 Alf Perry England -5
1929 Walter Hagen USA 202 gross
1912 Ted Ray Jersey 295 gross
1906 James Braid Scotland 300 gross
1901 James Braid Scotland 309 gross
1896 Harry Vardon Jersey 316 Gross
1892 Harold Hilton England 305 gross

How to get to Muirfield

Muirfield is situated north east of the village of Gullane in East Lothian, 4 miles from North Berwick train station.

Address: Duncur Road, Muirfield, Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland, EH31 2EG

Muirfield Golf Club Frequently Asked Questions

When can you play Muirfield?

Visitors can play at Muirfield on Tuesdays and Thursdays, prebooking is advised as the course is incredibly popular, especially during the Summer months.

Are there any handicap restrictions?

Golfers are required to have a handicap of 18 or less.

What format of golf do you have to play at Muirfield?

Fourball golf is restricted to morning play only. Those playing in the afternoon have to play foursomes.

What is the par at Muirfield?

Off the championship (white) tees the course measures 7,245 yards with a par of 71, with the 9th becoming a par-5 while it is a par-4 off the yellows, these tees measure 6,728 yards with a par of 70. The standard scratch is 73, although if the wind picks up, the course can play significantly harder than this.

Is there a range on site?

Yes

Are there buggies available to hire?

Yes

How much is the fee for the caddies?

£50 plus discretionary

Are there any weekend golfing restrictions?

No weekend play available

Is there a charge for car parking on site?

There is complimentary parking