Legends of the game have raised high the Claret Jug at Muirfield. Vardon, Hagen, Player, Nicklaus, Trevino, Watson, Faldo (twice), Els and Mickelson claimed the Open Championship on this magnificent course that's consistently identified an elite golfer from the era to emerge as Champion Golfer of the Year. Recent enhancements by noted architect Martin Hawtree should enable the course to remain relevant for decades to come. The 18th is one of the best finishing holes in golf, a daunting par-4.

Muirfield, home to The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, is among the most treasured in the game.  Formed in 1744, is the world’s oldest documented golf club.  It is where the original Rules of Golf were written.  It has hosted The Open on more than a dozen occasions. Old Tom Morris redesigned it in 1891 as a 16-hole layout followed by the addition of two more holes several months later. In 1928, Harry S. Colt and Tim Simpson made alterations that are credited with making this the masterpiece is it today.  Most courses of the day were routed nine holes out and nine back.  Not Muirfield.  Its outward nine runs clockwise around the perimeter of the property while the inward nine runs counter-clockwise inside the outward. This utterly unique layout produces play into constantly changing wind conditions.  Equally unique at Muirfield, for those who book 36 holes, is your day that begins with Fourballs in the morning and Foursomes (alternate shot) in the afternoon after an exceptional lunch in the clubhouse.   For those playing 18 holes, you play morning Fourballs. 

The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Scotland by LINKS Magazine