Muirfield - Sorry I just don't get what all the fuss is about.

[scratch]

Just back from a trip to East Lothian via Hoylake where we played Royal Liverpool, Muirfield, North Berwick and Gullane #1.

Having wanted to play Muirfield for quite some time, I came off the course feeling really quite deflated. There were 12 of us in our group and everyone felt the same. It is hyped up as some sort of mythical place but in reality, I can rate it as no better than a decent course. The conditioning was pristine, the greens were absolutely brilliant irrespective of the time of year and the weather over the last few months. The biggest downside was the amount of sand in the bunkers, I can't see the R&A allowing them to leave so much in them when the Open comes round. In some bunkers it was actually possible to get the sand over the top of my shoes when shuffling my feet down.

Royal Liverpool was a much more interesting layout but the real star of the show was North Berwick. Quite simply it is brilliant fun to play. Quirky but constantly interesting with some superb holes and greens that were even better than Muirfield's. It really is a must play course.

If you do get the chance to play Muirfield, by all means do so and stay for the lunch as well which is an experience in itself. Just don't expect it to thrill you. Royal County Down, Turnberry, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns all blow it away IMHO.

 

[CMAC]

...now wheres my popcorn :smirk:

 

[DAVEYBOY]

I must admit that from the pics I've seen of it that its not on my wish list.

 

[Val]

Having played Muirfield 2 weeks ago and Royal Liverpool today I have to ask myself if this thread is a wind up. Muirfield as a layout is leaps and bounds ahead of Royal Liverpool and Kingsbarns (can't comment on the others).

One would question if the OP's party all had bad days.

 

[Val]

Should add, I can think of at least 5 links tracks I'd have ahead of Royal Liverpool at a fraction of the cost. Dundonald being one, and for the record I had a good day at Hoylake golf wise just in case people think that's sour grapes.

 

[scratch]

Having played Muirfield 2 weeks ago and Royal Liverpool today I have to ask myself if this thread is a wind up. Muirfield as a layout is leaps and bounds ahead of Royal Liverpool and Kingsbarns (can't comment on the others).

One would question if the OP's party all had bad days.

Why would I post this as a windup? As stated, there were 12 in my group with very varied golfing CV's, some having played only a handful of courses right up to others that have played golf quite literally all over the world. 2 of us have played well in excess of half of the current GM top 100 list each so we know our way round a golf course. But it is horses for courses when it comes to golf courses.

And for the record, I shot 75 so it's not sour grapes.

 

[Val]

Why would I post this as a windup? As stated, there were 12 in my group with very varied golfing CV's, some having played only a handful of courses right up to others that have played golf quite literally all over the world. 2 of us have played well in excess of half of the current GM top 100 list each so we know our way round a golf course. But it is horses for courses when it comes to golf courses.

And for the record, I shot 75 so it's not sour grapes.

Tell me then what is better about Royal Liverpool then I might add some to your debate, RL for me had one really memorable hole (16th) whereas Muirfield had plenty.

 

[scratch]

Tell me then what is better about Royal Liverpool then I might add some to your debate, RL for me had one really memorable hole (16th) whereas Muirfield had plenty.

I'm not asking you to 'add some to my debate' I'm just stating that when we walked off Muirfield we all felt a bit flat whereas at Hoylake (and certainly at Berwick) we all had a smile on our faces and wanted to go out and play them again.

 

[Val]

I'm not asking you to 'add some to my debate' I'm just stating that when we walked off Muirfield we all felt a bit flat whereas at Hoylake (and certainly at Berwick) we all had a smile on our faces and wanted to go out and play them again.

No debate? Why no debate, you post a thought people retort that's what forums are about .

Lets close the thread.

 

[duncan mackie]

this is interesting to me because I still rate Hoylake as the best course I have played in the UK - but will admit I haven't played Muirfield (or obviously a lot of others either!)........watching the responses!

 

[Val]

this is interesting to me because I still rate Hoylake as the best course I have played in the UK - but will admit I haven't played Muirfield (or obviously a lot of others either!)........watching the responses!

I can post very objectively on this (as will most likely Birchy) having played both close together and in very similar conditions. Hoylake ain't a patch on Muirfield as a course, in fact I'd say Hoylake ain't in my top 5 of best links courses I've played. Kingsbarns, Dundonald, West Lancs and maybe at a push St Annes Old Links being better.

Great to play another Open venue though.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Just back from a trip to East Lothian via Hoylake where we played Royal Liverpool, Muirfield, North Berwick and Gullane #1

Having wanted to play Muirfield for quite some time, I came off the course feeling really quite deflated. There were 12 of us in our group and everyone felt the same. It is hyped up as some sort of mythical place but in reality, I can rate it as no better than a decent course. The conditioning was pristine, the greens were absolutely brilliant irrespective of the time of year and the weather over the last few months. The biggest downside was the amount of sand in the bunkers, I can't see the R&A allowing them to leave so much in them when the Open comes round. In some bunkers it was actually possible to get the sand over the top of my shoes when shuffling my feet down.

Royal Liverpool was a much more interesting layout but the real star of the show was North Berwick. Quite simply it is brilliant fun to play. Quirky but constantly interesting with some superb holes and greens that were even better than Muirfield's. It really is a must play course.

If you do get the chance to play Muirfield, by all means do so and stay for the lunch as well which is an experience in itself. Just don't expect it to thrill you. Royal County Down, Turnberry, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns all blow it away IMHO.

Totally disagree with this post, to say NB is better than Muirfield is way off the mark. Perhaps the OP likes pretty views more than brilliant golf holes. NB has one great hole [Redan] some good holes and about half a dozen crazy holes of a bygone era.

Muirfield Top 3 in UK, top 10 in world, they can't all be wrong.

 

[Val]

Totally disagree with this post, to say NB is better than Muirfield is way off the mark. Perhaps the OP likes pretty views more than brilliant golf holes. NB has one great hole [Redan] some good holes and about half a dozen crazy holes of a bygone era.

Muirfield Top 3 in UK, top 10 in world, they can't all be wrong.

So not just me then

 

[Sweep]

Sadly I have never had the opportunity to play Muirfield and I am pleasantly surprised to read so many have. I always assumed it was a closed shop. Nevertheless I can't agree about North Berwick. Whilst it is always in great condition, quirky is an understatement. Playing over walls, blind second shots to 360 yard par 4s after a 300 yard drive and greens with dips in that need a 4x4 to negotiate...OK I exagerate, but it's not my cup of tea. Each to their own though and I am glad you enjoyed it. IMHO Kingsbarns, Loch Lomond (if you are lucky enough) and even Dunbar blow it out of the water. Loads of history though.

 

[scratch]

Totally disagree with this post, to say NB is better than Muirfield is way off the mark. Perhaps the OP likes pretty views more than brilliant golf holes. NB has one great hole [Redan] some good holes and about half a dozen crazy holes of a bygone era.

Muirfield Top 3 in UK, top 10 in world, they can't all be wrong.

I don't think long, flat, straight par 4's are brilliant golf holes. There just isn't enough variation at Muirfield. There are only 2 doglegs on the course (6th and 8th)

Agree that NB is quirky but everyone in my group came off the course with a smile on their face and all agreed that they would rush back to there in an instant. Golf is a game played for fun and there is more to be had at NB than Muirfield.

 

[Dodger]

Wind up.

Royal Liverpool is horse manure in comparison to Muirfield,total horse manure.I have a free round at RL in May but I am passing on it as I have played it twice and that once too many for me.

North Berwick is nice,nice but very quirky and not an all round strong course like Muirfield.

The opening posters take on Muirfield should be totally disregarded as drivel.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Good enough to play it in 75 shots and not appreciate it, something quite sad about that.
What holes did you think were good/bad?

 

[Val]

Wind up.

Royal Liverpool is horse manure in comparison to Muirfield,total horse manure.I have a free round at RL in May but I am passing on it as I have played it twice and that once too many for me.

North Berwick is nice,nice but very quirky and not an all round strong course like Muirfield.

The opening posters take on Muirfield should be totally disregarded as drivel.

Not quite as diplomatic but there you have it :rofl:

 

[FairwayDodger]

I haven't had the pleasure of hoylake. Nor, strangely, north Berwick. But I did play both Turnberry Ailsa and Muirfield within a few weeks of each other recently.

Turnberry first, in great conditions but on my own. Loved it, played well; four over par and was blown away by the place. Brilliant. Couple of weeks later I was at muirfield with seven of the guys from the forum. Perfect conditions again, played pretty well; about eight or nine over par. But I absolutely adored it. Beautiful place, nice separation between the holes and lots to think about both off the tee and with approach shots. I had that nice "enjoyment" feeling that you get in your stomach from start to finish. The best course I've ever played I stated at the time and I still feel that way.

Each to their own, however, it'd be a dull place if we all liked the same things.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

This is a wind up guys!
Please close it down.