July 16, 2013. Former US Open Champion Graeme McDowell completes his Open set when he tees up in this week’s Championship at Muirfield and he rates the East Lothians links as one of the best he has ever played.
“It’s a great course here, and it completes my set of Open golf courses,” he told the assembled media just a couple of weeks after winning his third title of the season at the Alstom French Open at Paris National. “Muirfield was the only one in the rotation I had never played before, and I got the chance to come here early last week and play it in beautiful conditions. And, as everyone has seen, it’s in fantastic condition.
“It’s a fantastic golf course,” he added. “It’s right up there for me. I’d probably say Birkdale, Turnberry, Lytham and this one, in no particular order, that’s my four favourite Open courses.
“It’s strength is that it doesn’t have a lot of weaknesses. It doesn’t feel long, but, let’s be honest, when a links course is playing this firm and fast, it doesn’t have to be long. It’s well-bunkered, and I think they have done a great job with the rough this week. It’s nicely graded. It’s thick in the areas it should be thick, but it gives you half a chance to get club on ball in areas where you deserve a chance.
“It’s got really nice balance. I think it’s very fair. I think bad shots get punished and good golf gets rewarded. I like it a lot.”
