This is a daunting place from the moment you leave your car “outside” and enter the arena – somehow the history, the tradition and the challenge ahead has an immediate effect!

The greens are tough, the rough is ruthless and any shot fractionally off line is almost certain to be gobbled up by one of the numerous hidden bunkers. We were surprised just how flat the course is and it is a tribute to the architect and the green staff that that this unspectacular piece of condensed land produces such a golfing gem.

On the day we played, it was in absolutely magnificent condition – from tee to green – as long as you kept away from the rough, which was severe. Even if you find your ball, it is unlikely that you are able to move it very far!

If there is a criticism, it is that every hole is straightforward! Nothing spectacular – nothing memorable and nothing trick. The par 3 13th was a slight exception, but that was as much to do with the difficulty of the greenside bunkers as much as anything else.

A visit to Muirfield is not cheap, but it is quality and an encounter worth having!