Muirfield is recognised as one of the oldest golf clubs in the world, with records dating back to 1744. Golf has been played at Muirfield since 1891 on a course laid out by 'Old' Tom Morris, and the first Open Championship to be played over 72 holes was held here in 1892. The course has been modified from time to time and now ranks as one of the most popular 'Open' venues. Muirfield is different to most traditional Scottish Links Courses in that it has two loops of 9 holes, rather than the usual out and in format.
Today Muirfield is a renowned host to major championships amateur and professional, international and national, men and ladies. Eleven Amateur Championships have been played over the course and 15 Open Championships. As one of the oldest clubs in golf, Muirfield course has changed little since 1936 but, in 2008, in conjunction with the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, golf architect Martin Hawtree was commissioned to advise the Club on how best to ensure Muirfield remains a challenge to the world’s great golfers.
The work was commissioned and completed on schedule and has received universal approval from players and commentators alike and the new championship layout was played in competition for the first time in July 2013 at the Open.
Those changes included the introduction of new bunkers in selected drive areas; the relocation of greenside bunkers to tighten the entrances to greens; the extension of greens to provide more championship pin positions and the introduction of six new championship tees taking the course to 7245 yards in length. While many in number, the changes were subtle in nature and the essential characteristic of Muirfield has been carefully retained. The most noticeable difference would be the 9th Hole which is now a truly testing par 5, particularly into the prevailing wind.
