Seeking advice on how to play Muirfield as a Single

[TheDailyDuffer]

Im about to plan an impromptu golf trip to Scotland and i will be mostly playing a single. It appears as though Muirfield will not book a tee time for a single nor will they put me on a waiting list incase someone doesn't show up.

 

Does anyone have any advice or experience on this matter?

 

thanks

[skyesq4]

I have been trying to get on Muirfield as a single for four years. I have tried everything and I mean everything to get on. I spoke with the Secretary at Muirfield in early July and she told me the only was to book (prepay) a tee time on their website for a foursome, at the time there was an opening in August 2016 and four people would have to show I talked with her at length and she said they rarely have cancellations and vistors can only play on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Also the Greywalls Hotel in East Lothians does have some tee times reserved at Muirfield but they would not assist a single but you might want to call them. If you know a Muirfield member that is another way. Lastly, I spoke with a tour operator and he wanted $3300 for a singe round at Muirfield, that would include two nights at Greywalls and a round at Muirfield. I can always send you his name if your interested. I figured he was trying to make about $2000 profit since the Greywalls is approximately $500/night and the greens fee at Muirfield is $325.00.

I just returned from East Lothians / St. Andrews on Tuesday and if you have any questions let me know. I would highly recommend playing Gullane (no. 1).

This was my third trip to the UK as a single and if you have any questions let me know.

Thanks

[Mike T]

[quote name='skyesq4' timestamp='1439041839' post='12100532']
I have been trying to get on Muirfield as a single for four years. I have tried everything and I mean everything to get on. I spoke with the Secretary at Muirfield in early July and she told me the only was to book (prepay) a tee time on their website for a foursome, at the time there was an opening in August 2016 and four people would have to show I talked with her at length and she said they rarely have cancellations and vistors can only play on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Also the Greywalls Hotel in East Lothians does have some tee times reserved at Muirfield but they would not assist a single but you might want to call them. If you know a Muirfield member that is another way. Lastly, I spoke with a tour operator and he wanted $3300 for a singe round at Muirfield, that would include two nights at Greywalls and a round at Muirfield. I can always send you his name if your interested. I figured he was trying to make about $2000 profit since the Greywalls is approximately $500/night and the greens fee at Muirfield is $325.00.

I just returned from East Lothians / St. Andrews on Tuesday and if you have any questions let me know. I would highly recommend playing Gullane (no. 1).

This was my third trip to the UK as a single and if you have any questions let me know.

Thanks
[/quote]I had the same predicament. Travelled solo around Scotland. Got on the Old Course no problems but Muirfield was one step too far. Ended up playing North Berwick.

Skyesq4, have you done the West coast? My next solo trip will be around the Liverpool area and maybe up to Troon. Did Royal St Georges and the Heathland courses this year.

Only Muirfield seems to be out of reach unless they change their rules.

[jay65]

I was offered a cancellation about 6 months ago. I emailed them to ask about the chances of getting on as a single and within 3 weeks they offered me the cancellation. Guess I was just lucky.

[skyesq4]

I have played courses on the west coast, stayed in Troon and played Turnberry Alisa and Portland course, Troon and Preswick. Then drove down played Birkdale and Royal Liverpool and stayed in Hoylake. Birkdale and Royal Liverpool are spectacular and are some of my favorites along with Gullane #1. I played Royal St. Georges, Royal Cinque Ports and the Princes about two weeks ago. Let me know and i can tell you where I stayed, etc.

[Mike T]

Thanks. Will do. I was at Royal St George's 2 weeks ago as well.

One of the toughest courses I've played anywhere.

How long is the drive from Troon to Liverpool?

[skyesq4]

I drove from Troon to St Annes and spent two nights there and played Royal Lytham & St. Annes, tough course. Then drove to Southport and played Birkdale and on to Hoylake. I would recommend Royal Liverpool, Birkdale and Royal Lytham & St. Annes over Troon, Turnberry, etc. I thought Lytham was much harder than Royal St. Georges and this was in 2013 after the Open. Lastly, put Prestwick on your list if you go to Troon.

Drive from Troon to Lytham was about 4+ hours, Lytham to Southport was about 1.5 hours and to Hoylake 1.5 hours

[One_Putt_Blunder]

Good stuff to know I'm just starting to plan my 2017 trip to Scotland. Muirfield was on the list but I'll be playing as a single so looks like it's out unless I hit up some social media golf "friends" from Scotland.

[TheDailyDuffer]

Thank you all for the responses

I recently was able to secure a tee time at muirfield though the Greywalls hotel. The hotel will only boom a tee time for 2 or 4 so i purchased both tee times and found someone to play with me. It's not the cheapest way to get on, but it's costing just over a third of what that extortionist quoted Skyes at. I'm fairly certain that the tee times though the Greywalls are fairly limited. I gave a 20 day window and they only had one tee time for two people in that window, so call as soon as you can and continue to check for cancelations.

Thanks for your help everyone!

Side note...playing as a single should I have an advance tee time at any of the other Scottish courses like dornoch, north berwick, or cruden?

[jay65]

[quote name='TheDailyDuffer' timestamp='1439495171' post='12131856']
Thank you all for the responses

I recently was able to secure a tee time at muirfield though the Greywalls hotel. The hotel will only boom a tee time for 2 or 4 so i purchased both tee times and found someone to play with me. It's not the cheapest way to get on, but it's costing just over a third of what that extortionist quoted Skyes at. I'm fairly certain that the tee times though the Greywalls are fairly limited. I gave a 20 day window and they only had one tee time for two people in that window, so call as soon as you can and continue to check for cancelations.

Thanks for your help everyone!

Side note...playing as a single should I have an advance tee time at any of the other Scottish courses like dornoch, north berwick, or cruden?
[/quote]

Most other Courses in Scotland you'll be fine getting on as a single. Notwithstanding St Andrews and their own way of doing things. But the rest, you can generally just go onto the respective website and use the online booking systems as normal, even as a single.

The 3 that you particularly mentioned are outstanding and certainly amongst my own personal favourites in the whole of the UK.

[Mike T]

North Berwick definately no problems getting on as a single. They paired me up with another single when I got there which I didn't mind.
Same with Kingsbarns.

I haven't played the other 2 but doubt there would be a problem.

Thanks for letting us know about the option at Greywalls for future reference.

Enjoy Scotland!

[duffer987]

[quote name='Mike T' timestamp='1439427639' post='12126842']
Thanks. Will do. I was at Royal St George's 2 weeks ago as well.

One of the toughest courses I've played anywhere.

How long is the drive from Troon to Liverpool?
[/quote]

If you are going to make that journey, don't pass up Silloth-on-Solway on the drive up
I'm looking forward to playing it next month.

[quote name='One_Putt_Blunder' timestamp='1439442401' post='12128102']
Good stuff to know I'm just starting to plan my 2017 trip to Scotland. Muirfield was on the list but I'll be playing as a single so looks like it's out unless I hit up some social media golf "friends" from Scotland.
[/quote]

Hey we're interweb+ "friends", having met in person
Me and one of my best mates are going to go back to the UK in 2017 to play. Apart from sometime in May/June/Sept we've not decided on anything until Murfield opens up their 2017 bookings, presumably in Jan. If that is in/around when you thought you'd be going, I'll make a note to check back in Jan. If we're a foursome, well that won't do, but last year there were six of us, so easy enough to have someone join us for the day.

[jay65]

[quote name='duffer987' timestamp='1440352244' post='12194156']
[quote name='Mike T' timestamp='1439427639' post='12126842']
Thanks. Will do. I was at Royal St George's 2 weeks ago as well.

One of the toughest courses I've played anywhere.

How long is the drive from Troon to Liverpool?
[/quote]

If you are going to make that journey, don't pass up Silloth-on-Solway on the drive up
I'm looking forward to playing it next month.

[quote name='One_Putt_Blunder' timestamp='1439442401' post='12128102']
Good stuff to know I'm just starting to plan my 2017 trip to Scotland. Muirfield was on the list but I'll be playing as a single so looks like it's out unless I hit up some social media golf "friends" from Scotland.
[/quote]

Hey we're interweb+ "friends", having met in person
Me and one of my best mates are going to go back to the UK in 2017 to play. Apart from sometime in May/June/Sept we've not decided on anything until Murfield opens up their 2017 bookings, presumably in Jan. If that is in/around when you thought you'd be going, I'll make a note to check back in Jan. If we're a foursome, well that won't do, but last year there were six of us, so easy enough to have someone join us for the day.
[/quote]

Nice to see that you have the savvy to take in somewhere like Silloth. I first played it some 9 or 10 years ago now, and I always promised myself to go back, it's a fabulous track. Sadly I've never been back since, but I'm also putting that right in December........yes December. Links Golf in Winter is my favourite time on any Links. I'm on my way up to North Berwick and am going to stop at Silloth on the way up. Hope you enjoy your time there.

[duffer987]

Thanks
Before the internet became useful, James Finegan's books on UK/Irish golf courses were a great source for what's out there, and along with Doak's gazetteer, it's fairly easy to get steered in the right direction if you know what you like.
TBH I'm not above some 'list chasing' and that's largely what's getting me to Muirfield at some point, but there are sooooo many fantastic courses to choose from that aren't on the Open rota it's silly.

Unfortunately it was a bad weekend of attempted golf (trying to get past a neck thing) so the next time I try and tee it up will be at Westward Ho! in two weeks. I'm hoping for some good meds from the doc.

North Berwick is about as much fun as one can have golfing, I'll be in Bandon at the end of Nov, so I know all about winter golf. I'm sure we're both in for a good time

[HoffTTM]

[quote name='jay65' timestamp='1440356444' post='12194392']
[quote name='duffer987' timestamp='1440352244' post='12194156']
[quote name='Mike T' timestamp='1439427639' post='12126842']
Thanks. Will do. I was at Royal St George's 2 weeks ago as well.

One of the toughest courses I've played anywhere.

How long is the drive from Troon to Liverpool?
[/quote]

If you are going to make that journey, don't pass up Silloth-on-Solway on the drive up
I'm looking forward to playing it next month.

[quote name='One_Putt_Blunder' timestamp='1439442401' post='12128102']
Good stuff to know I'm just starting to plan my 2017 trip to Scotland. Muirfield was on the list but I'll be playing as a single so looks like it's out unless I hit up some social media golf "friends" from Scotland.
[/quote]

Hey we're interweb+ "friends", having met in person
Me and one of my best mates are going to go back to the UK in 2017 to play. Apart from sometime in May/June/Sept we've not decided on anything until Murfield opens up their 2017 bookings, presumably in Jan. If that is in/around when you thought you'd be going, I'll make a note to check back in Jan. If we're a foursome, well that won't do, but last year there were six of us, so easy enough to have someone join us for the day.
[/quote]

Nice to see that you have the savvy to take in somewhere like Silloth. I first played it some 9 or 10 years ago now, and I always promised myself to go back, it's a fabulous track. Sadly I've never been back since, but I'm also putting that right in December........yes December. Links Golf in Winter is my favourite time on any Links. I'm on my way up to North Berwick and am going to stop at Silloth on the way up. Hope you enjoy your time there.
[/quote]

Silloth is truly stunning and the memberships there are an absolute steal as are the green fees. The 5th is one of my favourite par 5s anywhere, so simple yet perfect. I make a point of stopping off there whenever I travel up even though its more a less a 90 minute detour altogether.

Well worth it

[jay65]

[quote name='HoffTTM' timestamp='1441347340' post='12261648']
[quote name='jay65' timestamp='1440356444' post='12194392']
[quote name='duffer987' timestamp='1440352244' post='12194156']
[quote name='Mike T' timestamp='1439427639' post='12126842']
Thanks. Will do. I was at Royal St George's 2 weeks ago as well.

One of the toughest courses I've played anywhere.

How long is the drive from Troon to Liverpool?
[/quote]

If you are going to make that journey, don't pass up Silloth-on-Solway on the drive up
I'm looking forward to playing it next month.

[quote name='One_Putt_Blunder' timestamp='1439442401' post='12128102']
Good stuff to know I'm just starting to plan my 2017 trip to Scotland. Muirfield was on the list but I'll be playing as a single so looks like it's out unless I hit up some social media golf "friends" from Scotland.
[/quote]

Hey we're interweb+ "friends", having met in person
Me and one of my best mates are going to go back to the UK in 2017 to play. Apart from sometime in May/June/Sept we've not decided on anything until Murfield opens up their 2017 bookings, presumably in Jan. If that is in/around when you thought you'd be going, I'll make a note to check back in Jan. If we're a foursome, well that won't do, but last year there were six of us, so easy enough to have someone join us for the day.
[/quote]

Nice to see that you have the savvy to take in somewhere like Silloth. I first played it some 9 or 10 years ago now, and I always promised myself to go back, it's a fabulous track. Sadly I've never been back since, but I'm also putting that right in December........yes December. Links Golf in Winter is my favourite time on any Links. I'm on my way up to North Berwick and am going to stop at Silloth on the way up. Hope you enjoy your time there.
[/quote]

Silloth is truly stunning and the memberships there are an absolute steal as are the green fees. The 5th is one of my favourite par 5s anywhere, so simple yet perfect. I make a point of stopping off there whenever I travel up even though its more a less a 90 minute detour altogether.

Well worth it
[/quote]

I agree. The left turn off the M6 at Carlisle is more than worth it! Lol. And you're right about Membership prices, they're ludicrously cheap when you compare the membership costs of an average parkland Course in the South of England. Mind you, some of the Membership costs in Scotland on some fantastic Links Layouts are amazing value for money too. And I find the Members are far more friendly and accommodating in Scotland than down South. We live down South, but also have a property in Scotland, and we go up there whenever the kids are out of School, and I certainly notice the difference in attitudes between the two. As soon as my wife finishes Uni in Southampton, we're done with England, and we're going back up to Scotland to live, mainly for this very reason that the attitude of the Scots in general is far less abrasive than people down South, and I'm a Southerner myself!! Ha.

[duffer987]

^Funny you guys mention their memberships - after seeing that I actually went on rightmove to see how much a terrace costs there. Went to their beer festival back in 2010, but otherwise haven't spent much time up that way.
The Sellafield links (ok ok it's called Seascale) looks a decent bet as well. Have either of you played St. Bees? I'm intrigued by this little nine-holer along the Irish sea and for a ten/fifteen pounds it seems worth a shout if the weather is OK.

[jay65]

[quote name='duffer987' timestamp='1441380190' post='12263042']
^Funny you guys mention their memberships - after seeing that I actually went on rightmove to see how much a terrace costs there. Went to their beer festival back in 2010, but otherwise haven't spent much time up that way.
The Sellafield links (ok ok it's called Seascale) looks a decent bet as well. Have either of you played St. Bees? I'm intrigued by this little nine-holer along the Irish sea and for a ten/fifteen pounds it seems worth a shout if the weather is OK.
[/quote]

I've never played at St Bees actually. But at just £10 a round can you really go wrong? Even from the point of view of the experience alone, it has to be worth a try just to say you've played it.

I've played at Seascale and once again, it's a bit maligned. Sure, these types of Courses are very much more dependent and sensitive to Course condition, but catch it on a good day, and for the price, it's a great test, and a lot of fun. Perhaps not quite as accomplished as Silloth, but Silloth is exceptional in my opinion. And the Membership offers at Silloth are superb, which makes Silloth amazing value for money, and certainly right at the top of the tree in England. It ranks right up there with Royal St Georges, Birkdale, Lytham, Royal Liverpool etc. I fully believe that if Silloth had been on an easier road to get to, with good infrastructure, it would be on The Open Championship rota by now, mind you, I guess you could level that same argument with many other Tracks too, bot in England and Scotland.

[duffer987]

[quote name='jay65' timestamp='1441384193' post='12263392']
[quote name='duffer987' timestamp='1441380190' post='12263042']
^Funny you guys mention their memberships - after seeing that I actually went on rightmove to see how much a terrace costs there. Went to their beer festival back in 2010, but otherwise haven't spent much time up that way.
The Sellafield links (ok ok it's called Seascale) looks a decent bet as well. Have either of you played St. Bees? I'm intrigued by this little nine-holer along the Irish sea and for a ten/fifteen pounds it seems worth a shout if the weather is OK.
[/quote]

I've never played at St Bees actually. But at just £10 a round can you really go wrong? Even from the point of view of the experience alone, it has to be worth a try just to say you've played it.

I've played at Seascale and once again, it's a bit maligned. Sure, these types of Courses are very much more dependent and sensitive to Course condition, but catch it on a good day, and for the price, it's a great test, and a lot of fun. Perhaps not quite as accomplished as Silloth, but Silloth is exceptional in my opinion. And the Membership offers at Silloth are superb, which makes Silloth amazing value for money, and certainly right at the top of the tree in England. It ranks right up there with Royal St Georges, Birkdale, Lytham, Royal Liverpool etc. I fully believe that if Silloth had been on an easier road to get to, with good infrastructure, it would be on The Open Championship rota by now, mind you, I guess you could level that same argument with many other Tracks too, bot in England and Scotland.
[/quote]

That's it. It's a pretty long list beyond the Rota of courses they could go to, which makes it great that the Scottish Open broke the shackles of Loch Lomond and has us seeing it played on these fantastic links courses. Same with the Irish Open, getting away from comedy courses and back to the seaside

One plus with the Senior and Ladies is them getting to the heathland courses. Would be great to see the men at Woodhall Spa, Ganton, or Notts.

As you say when you play makes such a difference, if I am passing through the Lake District and it's nice I'll pop over and at least look at Seascale and St. Bees, but if not I'm not stopping. I'm playing Silloth in anything less than a monsoon!

[starsail85]

Agreed silloth is sensational , in my top 5 easily . Great bit of land

 

Big fan of Southerness too, great turf!