Number 2. Played winter 2012. Traditional links designed by Old Tom Morris. 


The famous sign adorning the ornate gated entrance to one of the world's greatest golf courses welcomes you to the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers or as we know it Muirfield. It was on one of Scotland's wet, windy and wild days that I braved the elements to take on this legendary course. The chance to play Murifield doesn't come along too often and therefore the rain wasn't going to stop me. However, it did mean my photographs weren't up to the usual standard so I apologise for that.

Even though it had been raining hard for a number of days the fairways were in excellent condition with absolutely no standing water. The tees were as good as some greens I have played on this year and the greens were sensational, particularly for December in Scotland. The course itself was difficult to judge as the wind did make it almost unplayable. My own experience was that the fairways were reasonably narrow but fortunately the rough had been cut down so my many wayward shots weren't badly punished. The par 3s were excellent with 13 being a particular delight. I am proud to say that I didn't end up in one of the bunkers at 13 like Mr Els in 2002. I think it would be impossible to play Muirfield without playing at least one bunker shot - there are some many bunkers all intelligently positioned. I did manage to end up in a number of the bunkers but without the same success as Mr Els!

After such a windswept round I retired to the clubhouse. Muirfield is a gentlemen only club with a strict dress code. However, women can play the course and can also use clubhouse as per this article with the Secretary. For anyone who manages to play the course I would strongly recommend that you also take advantage of the superb lunch. I was pleasantly surprised by the warm and friendly welcome we received in the clubhouse - this is not the stuffy clubhouse I had been told to expect. All in all it was an excellent experience on a superb course. I would love to return to play the course on a more benign day but even if I don't get the chance it is still one of the greatest courses I have played.

Thanks: A huge thanks to Dave for getting the tee time arranged and joining me on the day. I know he throughly enjoyed his day. Also a thank you to the assistant secretary who took the time to join us for lunch.