For over 40 years, the PGA Tour’s Memorial Tournament has consistently been held at Muirfield Village Golf Club. Why is that? Does it have any history? It certainly does. Scheduled to take place from June 3rd to 9th this year, the PGA Tour will feature some of the best golfers, including #1 Scottie Scheffler.

Scheffler might be one of the most anticipated golfers at the Memorial, given all he went through at Valhalla. However, aside from being the world’s top golfer, the course itself makes the tournament captivating. Let’s find out how!

History of the Memorial Tournament and Muirfield Village Golf Club

Located in Dublin, Ohio, the golf course takes its name from Muirfield Golf Links, where Jack Nicklaus first represented the United States in the 1959 Walker Cup and won his first of three Open Championship titles in 1966. In 1966, Nicklaus planned to purchase the future property for Muirfield Village. His vision was to create a site with historic significance for American golf, and it appears he succeeded.

On July 28, 1972, six years later, the 18-time major champion partnered with designer Desmond Muirhead to begin construction, drawing inspiration from Bobby Jones’ creation of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters. Completed in 1974, Nicklaus inaugurated the course with an exhibition match against Tom Weiskopf.

In 1976, two years after the course was completed, the Memorial Tournament debuted and has been held every year since. Initially, Roger Maltbie won the tournament, followed by Nicklaus, who claimed victory twice in 1977 and 1984.

The course has hosted a range of events, including the 1986 U.S. Junior Amateur, the 1987 Ryder Cup Matches, the U.S.G.A.’s 1992 United States Amateur Championship, the 1995 Wendy’s Three-Tour Challenge, and the 1998 Solheim Cup. Despite being recognized among America’s 100 Greatest Courses by Golf Digest, Nicklaus’s involvement in its maintenance has not ceased. Consequently, some of the holes remain particularly challenging for golfers.

Which holes present the greatest challenges at Muirfield Village?

The 18-time major champion wanted the golf course to be more challenging, so it underwent a big renovation in 2020. After it was finished in 2021, the course became even tougher. Now, the final five holes at Muirfield are particularly tough. Beginning with Hole 14, a 360-yard par 4 that Nicklaus himself regards as one of the best par 4s in the sport. The 14th is primarily challenging due to its distance. Not only that but there are also sea bunkers present on the left side of the hole with a slight elevation.

The par-5 15th has become one of the most challenging holes since the renovation. The fairways are situated to the left, with a creek running along that side, coming into play on tee shots or layups. The 16th hole, a 200-yard par-3 over water, stands out as the trademark hole of Muirfield, with its distinctive left side that slopes toward the players.

The 17th hole poses a special challenge, requiring significant strength to execute shots effectively. Spanning 485 yards with a creek in front and bunkers protecting both the left and right sides, this par-4 demands two precise strikes. Lastly, there’s the 18th hole, known as the toughest of all. Golfers must navigate past the creek on the left and the bunkers at the corner during their tee shot.

What do you think about Muirfield Village GC and its history? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!