Location: Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland | Ranking: #3 — The Global Golfer Top 100
Type: Links | Partner Stay: Greywalls Hotel & Chez Roux
Editor’s Note: Jack Nicklaus called Muirfield his favourite course in the world. It is the fairest of all the Open Championship venues — no hidden tricks, no unfair bounces. What you see is what you get. Two concentric loops ensure every wind direction is encountered equally across the round. The bunkers are severe and penal; miss them and you have a chance. Find them, and the card is over.
1. Travel & Logistics
- How to Get There: Muirfield is 22 miles east of Edinburgh via the A1 and A198 to Gullane, East Lothian.
- Nearest Airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) — approx. 40 mins drive.
- By Train: Edinburgh Waverley to North Berwick (30 mins), then taxi to Gullane (10 mins).
2. Contact & Booking
- Tel: +44 (0)1620 842123 | Email: secretary@muirfield.org.uk
- Website: muirfield.org.uk
- How to Book: Visitors are welcome on Tuesdays and Thursdays only. Handicap certificate required (max 18 men, 24 ladies). Advance booking through the Secretary’s office is essential — minimum 3 months ahead recommended.
- Course Rating / Slope: Championship: 75.3 / 138 | Medal: 73.8 / 135
3. Championship Scorecard
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | OUT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 36 |
| Yards | 447 | 351 | 379 | 180 | 559 | 469 | 185 | 444 | 495 | 3,509 |
Par 4
Par 3
Par 5
Total
| Hole | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | IN | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Yards | 475 | 385 | 381 | 191 | 449 | 558 | 188 | 550 | 448 | 3,625 | 7,245 |
4. Hole-by-Hole Strategy
Hole 1 — Par 4, 447 Yards
- Strategy: The outer loop begins here, heading away from the clubhouse. A wide fairway but cross-bunkers at 250 yards threaten the aggressive driver. A slight right-to-left shape rewards the draw.
Hole 9 — Par 4, 495 Yards
- Strategy: The longest par 4 on the course and the pivot point of the outer loop. The fairway narrows significantly at driving distance with bunkers squeezing both sides. A long iron approach to a green angled away — par is a quality result.
Hole 17 — Par 5, 550 Yards
- Strategy: A unique par 5 that turns sharp left around a cluster of bunkers. The lay-up must avoid a cross bunker short-right of the green. A beautifully designed risk-reward hole that separates the careful from the reckless.
Hole 18 — Par 4, 448 Yards
- Strategy: A strong finishing hole back toward the iconic clubhouse. Drive must avoid the bunkers in the left rough. The approach to an elevated green is fully exposed to the wind — a mid to long iron demands precision.
5. The 19th Hole — Where to Stay & Dine
- Greywalls Hotel & Chez Roux: The quintessential golfer’s hotel, designed by Edwin Lutyens and sitting directly on the 9th green of Muirfield. Albert Roux’s restaurant serves exceptional French cuisine. Book via Expedia →
- The Marine North Berwick: A magnificent Victorian coastal hotel 10 minutes away, recently restored to five-star standard with views over the Firth of Forth.
- The Clubhouse: Post-round lunch at Muirfield’s clubhouse is a ritual — simple, well-executed Scottish fare in grand surroundings.