Muirfield Golf Club in Scotland is just one of the fantastic courses you can play on the Edinburgh & East Lothian Golf Tour. The club is an important part of golf’s heritage, as it established the earliest rules of the growing game, the first formal competition, and the Silver Club – the oldest trophy in golf. It is also the home of the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers.
Muirfield Golf Links has hosted 16 Open Championships, although not all were played on the current Muirfield Golf Course. Six Opens – held between 1874 and 1889 – were held at its previous home in Musselburgh, before the club moved to its current site in Muirfield in 1891.
Old Tom Morris was responsible for laying out the original Muirfield golf design opened in 1891, that was expanded and redesigned by Harry Colt in 1925 with the acquisition of additional land. Tom Simpson made improvements in the 1930s and then Martin Hawtree in 2011 modernized the course for today’s professionals.
The course is not a traditional out and back links routing, but rather consists of two loops of nine that both return to the clubhouse. The outward nine is in a clockwise direction and the inward nine is counterclockwise. Known for its strategic and penal bunkering, unless you have the touch and brilliance of Ernie Els, the 2002 Open winner, it is best to avoid them at all costs if you wish to return a decent score.
However, like many clubs in the UK, Muirfield is a “two-ball” club where foursomes (alternate shot with a partner) is the preferred method of play. Even their club championship is a two-ball competition rather than medal.
The format has many advantages, not the least of which it is fast, with most rounds lasting under two hours. This is because the highlight of a day at Muirfield, especially if the weather is in climate, is the fabulous roast lunch which would rival any 5-star hotel buffet. The members arrive in their coats and ties, change out for golf, change back for proper lunch. Then usually after fortification of food and drink, change back out for another round across the links.
Muirfield recognizing their importance to avid golfers around the world allows limited visitor play – but only on Tuesdays and Thursdays (foursomes only). They offer both 18 and 36 hole packages. To experience Muirfield as a member enjoys, opt for the 36-hole experience, playing your own ball in the morning, partaking in the fantastic roast lunch (don’t forget your coat and tie) and then playing an additional round in foursome format.
Muirfield has the pedigree of being one of the best links golf courses in the world and is home to one of the oldest golfing organizations, called the “The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers”, dating all the way back to 1744. This prestigious East Lothian course, located just east of Edinburgh along Scotland’s dramatic coastline, has earned its reputation through decades of hosting major championships and maintaining the highest standards of links golf.
Muirfield’s evolution into the modern era highlights the difficulty the world’s most exclusive institutions face when embracing change. While the club’s long-standing male-only membership tradition sparked considerable debate and temporarily affected its Open Championship hosting privileges, this period ultimately led to a thoughtful transformation in 2017 when Muirfield welcomed its first female members.
This pivotal decision exemplified the club’s commitment to excellence and inclusivity, demonstrating that true luxury lies not just in exclusivity, but in the wisdom to evolve while preserving one’s distinguished heritage.
Today, Muirfield stands as an even more prestigious institution, having gracefully balanced its reverence for centuries-old traditions with a progressive vision that ensures The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers remains among golf’s most coveted and respected establishments for generations to come.
For a stylish and welcoming base during your Edinburgh stay, No11 Boutique Hotel & Brasserie is a top choice. Housed in a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse, it combines the charm of period architecture with modern comfort — think luxurious rooms, plush bedding, and thoughtful Scottish touches.
Its location, just a short walk from the city centre, plus the friendly, attentive service makes No11 ideal for both leisurely weekends and special culinary getaways.
Combine the sights of Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, with the great courses of the East Lothian peninsula.
8 nights 4* accommodation and 7 rounds of golf
Prices starting from $9,085 per golfer
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Green fee rates vary throughout the year but are typically around £250 per round. These fees are included in all Premier Golf packages.
Yes, you must have a handicap of 18 or below to play Muirfield.
The closest airport to Muirfield is Edinburgh Airport, which is a 44-minute drive (30 miles) away. Edinburgh Airport has direct flights from the USA.
You can book a golf trip to Muirfield through Premier Golf. We offer custom golf trips to Edinburgh and East Lothian, which includes Muirfield.
