Hills at Muirfield

[John Shimp]

Ive been surprised at how little if at all the announcers have focused on how hilly Muirfield is in stretches particularly as hole 2 goes towards the back part of the property.  Somewhat like ANGC (but not near as much) Muirfield really has a lot of uphill approaches, downhill drives, and significant green side dropoffs that leave discouragingly difficult pitches or chips.  An observer can tell the greenside slopes given how infrequently you see putting from way off the green vs say TOC.  Anyway, Ive been surprised.  Anyone else?

[Bill_McBride]

There is just one real hill at Muirfield, the rest are dunes or mounds like the flanking pair at the third.  The hill is in the center of the course.  #11 tee shot and 7 and 13 take you up on top, 12, 14 and 8 play from elevated tees.  Six doglegs off the hill and there is some strong ground movement there.   I think the par 5 fifth climbs a little to the backside of the hill. 

Otherwise the course plays around the hill and is generally flattish. 

[John Shimp]

Bill,
I agree with the way you describe the hill but you leave out quite a few shots.  6 plays down off the tee.  8 is down, 2 is down then up, 18 is down off the tee as are 12, etc.  Anyway, its not 10 at ANGC but for an open rota course its fairly hilly.  I was also trying to point out the severity of the drop off around a lot of the green complexes.

[Mac Plumart]

John. 

I don't think comparing the hilliness of Augusta National to Muirfield is valid. As Augusta is VERY hilly and Muirfield is pretty flat.

But you are right about the slopes of the land at Muirfield. In addition to reading the greens, you need to read the fairways and approaches. If you don't think through every shot, you, likely, will pay the price. And I do think some of the announcers have discussed this, but maybe not as much as they should.

[William_G]

Muirfield is hilly just like Bandon Dunes is hilly...