The Memorial Tournament 2025: Muirfield Village’s Most Brutal Holes Analyzed
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler summed it up perfectly: “I feel every hole is hard on this field; it doesn’t really give you much of a break.” Scheffler proved that firsthand last year by capturing the Memorial Tournament title with an 8-under-par 280, just edging out Collin Morikawa. The tournament returns to the formidable Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, a layout known for its pristine but punishing design. Created by golf legend Jack Nicklaus in 1974, the course remains one of the most demanding on the PGA Tour.
This year’s event carries a hefty $20 million purse and promises high-stakes action on a course that is as much about mental stamina as it is about physical execution. Fairways are tight, greens are lightning-fast and multi-tiered, and a winding creek sneaks into play at critical points.
So, which holes are the biggest challenges for even the most elite players? Here’s a breakdown of five of the toughest tests at Muirfield Village—nicknamed “The House That Jack Built.”
<strong>1. Hole 16, Par 3 – 201 Yards</strong>
Arguably the most difficult hole on the course, the 16th requires a precise shot over water to a narrow, contoured green ringed by bunkers. The slopes and layout leave little room for mistakes. Tour pro Jon Rahm advises that paying close attention to pin placement and choosing the right club are essential strategies. On this hole, simply making par is a solid result.
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<strong>2. Hole 18, Par 4 – 484 Yards</strong>
The final hole is a beast. A narrow fairway bordered by water on the left leads to a green guarded by deep bunkers. Strategic tee placement is critical, as missing the fairway almost guarantees a scramble. The approach shot can make or break a round. Scheffler highlighted how this hole could yield a birdie to win—or a bogey to lose—depending on precision and nerve.
<strong>3. Hole 11, Par 5 – 567 Yards</strong>
This winding par 5 tests accuracy from tee to green. The fairway bends through rough and trees, and a creek runs along the left side before crossing twice more on the way to a compact, elevated green. While the fairway appears inviting from the tee, the real difficulty arises as players try to reach the green in regulation.
<strong>4. Hole 3, Par 4 – 401 Yards</strong>
Though shorter than most, the third hole demands accuracy. The tee shot must land on a narrow fairway, while the elevated green—surrounded by bunkers—requires pinpoint distance control. There’s little room for error early in the round.
<strong>5. Hole 2, Par 4 – 455 Yards</strong>
This hole consistently ranks as one of the toughest. A creek runs down the right side and feeds into a pond near the green, while fairway bunkers guard the left. Tall trees can block errant drives, making it a true test. Smart play and conservative strategies are often the best approach here, with most players hoping to walk away with a par.
Muirfield Village continues to evolve, thanks to ongoing refinements from Jack Nicklaus. With its Augusta-like beauty and treacherous layout, it remains one of the ultimate tests in golf. As the world’s top players gather for the 2025 Memorial Tournament, the real question is: can anyone, even the defending champion, conquer this unforgiving course again?