Muirfield

Duncur Road
Muirfield, Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland, EH31 2EG
44(0)1620842123
Driving Directions

Private, 18 holes, $200 - $200

Muirfield is consistently ranked as one of the top courses in the World by Golf Magazine's panel of experts.

Looking at Muirfield, with its hip-high rough and famous revetted bunkers, it's hard to believe that Harold Hilton, who won the 1892 Open Championship here, once described it as "not a truly severe test of the game." But then, old Harold never played the par-4 1st hole at its current 448 yards into the teeth of a four-club wind blowing off the Firth of Forth.

I, too, have underestimated Muirfield. That's because on previous visits, in 1992 and 2002, my view of the venerable East Lothian links was blocked by giant grandstands, television cranes and big white tents. It's only when that visual clutter is removed that you see what its designer, Old Tom Morris, saw in 1891 -- a spectacular sea meadow crowned with ever-changing cloud formations and occasional rainbows.

"How can you not love this course?" asked the tour caddie/attorney Neil Oxman during the 2007 Senior British Open. "It's the challenge of the wind. It's the bounces you have to get. This is one of the half-dozen greatest golf courses in the world, no ifs, ands or buts."

There's also a pretty good hotel, the Greywalls, which sits beside the Muirfield clubhouse. In '92, former Masters champ Ben Crenshaw flew the Atlantic on spec and shot himself out of the Open with a first-round 79 in a qualifier at North Berwick. That evening, he walked into the Greywalls lounge, smiled at the barman, and said, "May I have an arsenic, please?"

Oh, and remember to bring a jacket and tie. The clubhouse staff won't let you in for a toasty or a pint unless you look like a gentleman. -- John Garrity

--Muirfield is the home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, which dates back to 1744. The course has hosted 15 British Opens, most recently in 2002, when Ernie Els was champion.

Although it's private, tee times are available with advance planning. For more information, go to muirfield.org.uk.

Design - Golf Course at Muirfield

• Year Built: 1891
• Designer: Old Tom Morris
• Greens Grass Type: Not Available
• Fairways Grass Type: Not Available
• Water Hazards: Not Available
• Sand Bunkers: Not Available
• Yardage Markers: Not Available

More Information - Golf Course at Muirfield

• Green Fee: $200 - $200
• Driving Range: N/A
• Training Facilities: None
• Rental Clubs: N/A
• Carts: N/A
• Pullcarts: N/A
• Caddies: N/A
• Walking: N/A
• Food: Yes
• Bar: Yes
• Homes on Course: N/A