I have not seen it in the flesh (only on TV), so I am interested in opinions on the course and perhaps why it is ranked by Golf Digest so highly.

Especially why GD have it ranked ahead of Pinehurst #2, Bethpage Black, Prairie Dunes etc etc.

What are the architectural features of Muirfield Village that warrant a ranking of 18th best in the USA?

Political considerations have partly helped it achieve its high ranking.

I'm not arguing the postition of the course but I would like to know when Nicklaus started kissing rater ass.  It is not a difficult access either so I don't get the "political" take.

My opinion above does not mean the ratings are correct, I am only saying they are not political.

It's a very good golf course, plays exactly like good players think a course ought to play,  is in excellent condition, has some tournament history, and has been tweaked based on tournament history, a la Pinehurst, Augusta, etc. to be even better.

Like any ranking, you could drop it ten or twenty spots personally, and members would be insulted, but it would still be a very good golf course.  It is in the right neighborhood, even if you think it could be located "a few streets over."  Like Andy, I think the consistency of the rankings speak to its overall quality.  

Also, its one of the few top courses I have played on separate occaisions separated by many years and I wasn't dissapointed the second time around, as I think we all are on some "pretenders" which I took as a good sign that it was as good as I thought.

Shane:

The best course in Ohio is in the Columbus area -- it's just not located in Dublin.

Try the Dye masterpiece The Golf Club -- rarely discussed in anything more than passing here on GCA -- a true and first rate layout -- a tour de force design.

Shane:

The best course in Ohio is in the Columbus area -- it's just not located in Dublin.

Try the Dye masterpiece The Golf Club -- rarely discussed in anything more than passing here on GCA -- a true and first rate layout -- a tour de force design.

Matt:

Isn't the Golf Club really, really, really exclusive, and hard to get on, and members there sort of hog it to themselves (their perogative, of course) and are wary of lots of visitors? I, too, have heard very good things of the Golf Club, and have never met anyone or met anyone who's met anyone who's played it, which might account for its low GCA profile/mentions.

I think it might be time for locker rooms to stop putting names on lockers.  I always makes me a little ill to see an architect or famous golfers name on a locker.  It really isn't hard to remember which locker is yours since most of us did it in high school.

 I think I am going to request my name be replaced on my locker with my initials.  

Will you be using JK or BF?

Quote from: Matt_Ward on June 01, 2007, 10:54:16 AM

Shane:

The best course in Ohio is in the Columbus area -- it's just not located in Dublin.

Try the Dye masterpiece The Golf Club -- rarely discussed in anything more than passing here on GCA -- a true and first rate layout -- a tour de force design.

Matt:

Isn't the Golf Club really, really, really exclusive, and hard to get on, and members there sort of hog it to themselves (their perogative, of course) and are wary of lots of visitors? I, too, have heard very good things of the Golf Club, and have never met anyone or met anyone who's met anyone who's played it, which might account for its low GCA profile/mentions.

The Golf Club is very private and not interesting in hosting tournaments, events, etc. Its also the finest golf course I've played, so its unfortunate in that regard that it is seen by so few. With only having walked MV (and being very impressed by it) I would still agree that TGC is likely the best in Ohio.

I have played both MV and The GC a number of times.  MV has undergone numerous changes over the years and I have grown to love it.  It is a good test for the higher handicap and challenging for the better player.  It has all, but #10, downhill tee shots, which may be the most satisying tee shot there is for the average player.  The green sites have just gotten better over the years, and the fairway bunkers arre much improved, especially #17.  

Yet if I had my choice I would play TGC any day of the week.  It is a wonderful course.  I don't think it will test the best players in the world any better than MV, but for the me the various holes are a a blend of terrific holes.  The 18th is scary, however.  I would hate to come into it one shot ahead.

Columbus has a revolving opinion of the position of its' top three(Mv,Scioto,TGC);however,my favorite is MVillage w/o a weak or letup hole.The fairways wide allowing shot making to well bunkered greens.Jack always disliked uphill elevated greens, the exception #18.You folks are a little critical w/o playing/experiencing this course.Wade Hampton rated above Mv is very suspect;additionally,though Crystal Downs is within my top (10),I would rate MV higher.Probably the old preference, Chocolate or Vanilla?

MV, 8th best in the country but only 4th best in the Columbus, Ohio area.

I totally agree Brad!!!  Maybe even tied for 4th!!

Important questions from a Melbournian...

Does it have a great short par four, and a great short par three?

Also, wouldn't the fact that it plays like a good player wants it too, as Jeff Brauer said, be something to hold against it?

Is that what Tom Doak had in mind when he said that Nicklaus put perfect sightlines and perfect turf ahead of any consideration of natural character.