Let us first make it very clear that we in no way profess to being able to secure tee times at Muirfield Golf Club. Muirfield is being included in this website purely from a general interest and historical perspective. There is no doubt however, that the course is one of the finest links in the world and as such, should be included in any comprehensive resource on golfing in Scotland. Generally, there are a limited number of tee times available at Muirfield and to enquire about a tee time, we would advise you to apply directly to the club well in advance.
The original course was designed by Tom Morris and 16 holes, built by hand and horse, were opened on May 3rd 1891, with two more added in December. Muirfield was the first course designed in two loops of nine holes, the first nine going around the perimeter in a clockwise direction and the second nine, contained inside the first, running in an anticlockwise direction. And given that no more than three successive holes run in the same direction, the golfer can never relax and must constantly change their game according to the wind. Muirfield is also home to the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, who held their first meeting on Leith Links, five mile from Edinburgh, in 1744. The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers is regarded as the oldest, officially substantiated golf club in the world and in 1744; the committee drafted the first 13 rules of golf. The St. Andrews Society of Golfers, later to be known as the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, adopted these rules almost word for word ten years later.
There are just a few golf courses in the world that convey everything by their very name. Augusta National, Ballybunion and St. Andrews are three of these courses and there is no doubt that Muirfield is another. Similarly, some golf courses are synonymous with the British Open Golf Championship, none more so than Muirfield. The first Open to be staged at Muirfield was won by amateur, Harold Hilton; in 1892 and since then, the event has returned on 14 occasions, most recently in 2002. They say that a great golf course produces great champions and nowhere is this more evident than at Muirfield, where the list of winners reads like a veritable who's who of world golf. With Braid (1901 & '06) and Faldo (1987, '92) the only double Open Champions at Muirfield, other victors include Vardon (1896), Ray (1912), Hagen (1929), Perry (1935), Cotton (1948), Player (1959), Nicklaus (1966), Trevino (1972), Watson (1980) and most recently, Ernie Els (2002).
Muirfield has witnessed many great occasions over the years - Walter Hagen's two birdies on the long par four, 8th hole on the final day in 1929; and Ernie Els' victory in a four way play off in 2002 to name but two of them. But perhaps the most dramatic moment in Muirfield Open history came in 1972, when Lee Trevino holed his chip shot from the edge of the 17th green, on his way to stealing the title from Tony Jacklin. Measuring 7,034 yards with a par of 71, Muirfield remains one of the finest golf courses in the world. With no trees or water in play, none of its subtleties are disguised and there is only one blind shot - your drive over the ridge at the 11th hole. And while there are many impressive features on this course, the bunkering will make a lasting impression. Many are as tall as a man stands, while they are faced with revetted turf and consist of powdery sand from the nearby beach.
Situated off the A198 route, little over half a mile from the town of Gullane and about 22 miles northeast of Edinburgh.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
Greywalls, Muirfield, Gullane EH31 2EG
Tel: + 44 1620 842144. Email: hotel@greywalls.co.uk.
Overlooking Muirfield Golf Club, guests dine in an elegant atmosphere, while the chef cooks uncomplicated fare allowing the quality and freshness of the ingredients to dominate.
The Open Arms Hotel, Dirleton EH39 5EG.
Tel: + 44 1620 850241. Email: openarms@clara.co.uk.
The Library dining room offers a selection of culinary classics. Local produce abounds, while the dishes might include fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef or duck breast baked on lemon grass.
Bonars Restaurant, Poldrate Mill, Tyne House, Haddington EH41 4AD
Tel: + 44 1620 822100. Email: bonars@lineone.net.
Ideally suited to the rustic interior of the restaurant, the menu is simple and assured. And if you're looking for a treat, try the peppered sea bass with lobster and saffron risotto.
Let us first make it very clear that we in no way profess to being able to secure tee times at Muirfield Golf Club. Muirfield is being included in this website purely from a general interest and historical perspective. There is no doubt however, that the course is one of the finest links in the world and as such, should be included in any comprehensive resource on golfing in Scotland. Generally, there are a limited number of tee times available at Muirfield and to enquire about a tee time, we would advise you to apply directly to the club well in advance.
