Muirfield Etiquette

[Bsarosi]

Our threesome was fortunate enough to book a guest tee time at Muirfield next month. We're only playing the morning round and not staying for lunch (group didn't want to change into jacket/shirt/tie). With that said, I have some questions on etiquette and what to expect:

 

1) How far in advance of our tee time should we arrive if we want to warm up?

2) We'll have a car so do we pull up to the main entrance for instructions or do we need to park off site and walk up? If the latter, is there a designated parking area?

3) Do guests have access to the proshop to purchase items?

4) Do guests have access to the locker room to change or will we need to arrive in golf attire? The dress code states jacket/shirt/tie after 10:30a in all public rooms - does that apply to guests after completing their round or who want to visit the proshop?

5) Is there a place to leave belongings during the round if we don't have access to the locker room?

6) Are there any clubhouse rules besides the usual - no hats on, no cellphones, no metal spikes?

 

Any other words of wisdom for those who've visited/played as a guest?

[buckI]

some answers to these:
 

1) How far in advance of our tee time should we arrive if we want to warm up?  I would suggest an hour just because you will want to change shoes, maybe check out the pro shop and warm up but take in the experience 

2) We'll have a car so do we pull up to the main entrance for instructions or do we need to park off site and walk up? If the latter, is there a designated parking area? There will be people directing you where to park.   There is an area to park and people to transport a

you and your clubs,bags to the clubhouse

3) Do guests have access to the proshop to purchase items? Yes

4) Do guests have access to the locker room to change or will we need to arrive in golf attire? The dress code states jacket/shirt/tie after 10:30a in all public rooms - does that apply to guests after completing their round or who want to visit the proshop?  You do not need tie/jacket to enter pro shop area to purchase items

5) Is there a place to leave belongings during the round if we don't have access to the locker room? You have access to locker room area

6) Are there any clubhouse rules besides the usual - no hats on, no cellphones, no metal spikes? All of these and basic club protocol.   You can take pictures with cell phone just have on silent and no calls

[tad950]

buckl has it covered.

 

Our group was greeted by a Muirfield rep  before we entered the clubhouse. She gave us a rundown of all the do’s and don’ts.

 

It’s been a few years, but I thought that photography wasn’t allowed inside the clubhouse. 
 

And there are some items in the pro shop that are only sold to members. Maybe certain colors of clothing? 

[El Gringo]

I remember the days when there wasn’t a pro shop. There were a few bits and bobs like pencils and scorecards behind the window where payment was made. The pro at Gullane had the license to sell Muirfield gear. There were only a few different items for sale. It seemed very fitting for Muirfield. 

[dmbolp]

16 hours ago, Bsarosi said:

Our threesome was fortunate enough to book a guest tee time at Muirfield next month....

 

Whoa, just now learning about Muirfield guest.  I see availability on THUR 4/10 but says only foursomes; how did you book a 3-some?

[Bsarosi]

5 minutes ago, dmbolp said:

 

Whoa, just now learning about Muirfield guest.  I see availability on THUR 4/10 but says only foursomes; how did you book a 3-some?

I simply went on their website and applied as a threesome and received an email confirmation after. They then followed up to remit payment.

 

If you’re a threesome, I’d say to do the same thing. If fewer than that, you might want to contact them directly instead of applying for a tee time. Also, keep in mind that some tee times are for 18 and others for 36 - looks like the remaining availability is for 36.

[dmbolp]

16 minutes ago, Bsarosi said:

I simply went on their website and applied as a threesome and received an email confirmation after. They then followed up to remit payment.

 

If you’re a threesome, I’d say to do the same thing. If fewer than that, you might want to contact them directly instead of applying for a tee time. Also, keep in mind that some tee times are for 18 and others for 36 - looks like the remaining availability is for 36.

 

Ah, thanks

[dmbolp]

Got wife approval...looks like we're playing 36 and Lunch!! 🙂

[SairFecht]

The advantage of a threesome booking at Muirfield is that you will get round really quickly.You will probably be put out against a local pair playing alternate shot  in a two ball . Alternate shot with three players is a traditional Scottish custom great fun, but nowadays not played much outside Muirfield it's really relaxing you can really enjoy the scenery.

[StoutKing]

Enjoy.  One of the best golf days in the world.  Very classy place.

[dmbolp]

We're just a twosome, haven't reached out to Muirfield yet, but on THUR 4/10 (day after we land) there's still 4 foursomes available in the morning, for 36 holes

[dmbolp]

Inquired thru their CONTACT US online form...we'll see! 

[ND2005]

My only additional advice is to put on the dang coat and tie and enjoy a pint and a lunch. It is a memorable part of the experience. 

[dmbolp]

1 hour ago, ND2005 said:

My only additional advice is to put on the dang coat and tie and enjoy a pint and a lunch. It is a memorable part of the experience. 

 

Beautiful will do, but hopefully without having to pay for two 18s.  And with it being I first day I don't want to wear myself out on Day 1 of 9

 

[buckI]

3 hours ago, dmbolp said:

 

Beautiful will do, but hopefully without having to pay for two 18s.  And with it being I first day I don't want to wear myself out on Day 1 of 9

 

You can do the lunch without playing and paying for the second round.   I forget what the lunch cost was last year but worth the experience.   We have done it each time there.   

[dmbolp]

Response overnight, twosome for 18-holes at 10am THUR 4/10!  Have a Monday 4/7 Masters ticket, now changing TATL flight to TUE, Muirfield on THUR, try the ballot for TOC FRI/SAT/MON/TUE and fill with other courses, watch the Masters final round in St Andrews!

 

Edit: Forgot to add, we're flying back into JFK THUR 4/17 afternoon to try and get on Bethpage Black on FRI-SUN

 

Gonna be a heck of a golf 10-day stretch

Edited March 7 by dmbolp

[hammergolf]

On 3/4/2025 at 3:42 PM, Bsarosi said:

Our threesome was fortunate enough to book a guest tee time at Muirfield next month. We're only playing the morning round and not staying for lunch (group didn't want to change into jacket/shirt/tie). With that said, I have some questions on etiquette and what to expect:

 

1) How far in advance of our tee time should we arrive if we want to warm 

2) We'll have a car so do we pull up to the main entrance for instructions or do we need to park off site and walk up? If the latter, is there a designated parking area?

3) Do guests have access to the proshop to purchase items?

4) Do guests have access to the locker room to change or will we need to arrive in golf attire? The dress code states jacket/shirt/tie after 10:30a in all public rooms - does that apply to guests after completing their round or who want to visit the proshop?

5) Is there a place to leave belongings during the round if we don't have access to the locker room?

6) Are there any clubhouse rules besides the usual - no hats on, no cellphones, no metal spikes?

 

Any other words of wisdom for those who've visited/played as a guest?

Here you go:

 

https://www.muirfield.org.uk/visitors-notes-guidance/

 

If you have any other questions, email Claire at the club  hceg@muirfield.org.uk

[dmbolp]

Another etiquette question.  The booking email with the payment link states: 

• Full greenfee payment is required within 14 days to secure this provisional booking.

I'm not hurting for money, but if I get hit by a bus tomorrow this would be one less $1k for my poor wife to track down.  Any harm in waiting?

[hammergolf]

10 minutes ago, dmbolp said:

Another etiquette question.  The booking email with the payment link states: 

• Full greenfee payment is required within 14 days to secure this provisional booking.

I'm not hurting for money, but if I get hit by a bus tomorrow this would be one less $1k for my poor wife to track down.  Any harm in waiting?

Yeah, if you don’t pay within 14 days of your confirmation you lose your tee time. 

[dmbolp]

26 minutes ago, hammergolf said:

Yeah, if you don’t pay within 14 days of your confirmation you lose your tee time. 

 

But are they fine with that delay?  (They're offering it, why even). Also got a separate personalized email from a Calum White asking if we needed anything.  Maybe I'll respond to that one with thanks and "we'll take care of payment within the timeline".

[buckI]

Like @hammergolf noted, as long as it is within the 14 you are good.   They are really great to deal with in my experience.

[hammergolf]

3 hours ago, dmbolp said:

 

But are they fine with that delay?  (They're offering it, why even). Also got a separate personalized email from a Calum White asking if we needed anything.  Maybe I'll respond to that one with thanks and "we'll take care of payment within the timeline".

As long as you pay within the 14 days you’re fine. No need to respond and tell them that. 

[ALTSean]

We're playing 36 at Muirfield this August. After the first 18 before lunch, do guests shower and change for lunch or do visitors just change and put on a jacket & tie? Thanks!

[El Gringo]

1 hour ago, ALTSean said:

We're playing 36 at Muirfield this August. After the first 18 before lunch, do guests shower and change for lunch or do visitors just change and put on a jacket & tie? Thanks!

Usually shower. Then when in line for the dining room order four double g&ts. 

[dmbolp]

Played it last Thursday based on this thread, thanks again!  Would have rather put my $400+ towards Kingsbarns which was spectacular.  Range was off mats, and a putting green.  Great people.  locker room had plenty of racks to hang your coat.  Sounds like you already have lodging for the night before, but for anyone else considering Muirfield, I highly recommend staying at the Greywalls hotel next door.  Very nice, great breakfast, and view of the course from your room, or at least the back grounds of the hotel.  You can book it thru Hilton and a single bed "caddie room" was $180; decent sized queen room was $300.  They have a 7-course dinner from a Michelin chef, but we passed on it and instead had dinner at the Old Clubhouse Restaurant at the Gullane courses, and everything there was great, highly recommend it.  We had lunch at the Bonnie Badger which was nice too.

[yutuu]

You preferred Kingsbarns over the day at Muirfield?

[dmbolp]

22 hours ago, yutuu said:

You preferred Kingsbarns over the day at Muirfield?

 

I did, and today I preferred the Castle course over the Old course

[srs06d]

Let me guess...you also prefer the Punchbowl to the Himalayas?

[yutuu]

30 minutes ago, dmbolp said:

 

I did, and today I preferred the Castle course over the Old course

That’s a different take, but to each their own.  Have a great time - no better place in the world to play golf.

[Chanceman]

For anyone worried about having to take a jacket to wear at a Muirfield lunch for one and done purposes, we had a similar jackets-only thing at another place and simply went to the local op-shop like the Salvos or Oxfam and purchased a 5 quid jacket (plus tie) to be donated back next day.