Professional golfer Michael Kim has identified a notable change at Muirfield golf course just ahead of the 2025 Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio. This development centers on the 11th hole, where alterations could influence how players approach the course and their overall strategies during the event.
Modification on the 11th Hole Opens New Playing Opportunities
Returning to Muirfield after several years, Kim noticed a major shift involving the 11th hole. Previously lined with tall trees on the right side that forced players to shape fade shots to safely reach the green in two strokes, many of those trees have now been removed. As Kim explained on social media,
“Haven’t played Muirfield in a few years, and I played the back nine today. Mostly the same, but one big difference I noticed was on 11, there used to be really tall trees [on the] right side that made you hit fades around them to go for the green in two. But a lot of those tall trees are gone, so you can hit a high draw over them no problem. Much easier for a drawer like me to go for the green in two.” —Michael Kim, Professional Golfer
This change allows golfers who favor a draw shot to attempt a more aggressive play for the green on their second shot, potentially altering the risk-reward balance on this hole significantly.
Reflection on Past Conditions and New Course Dynamics
Kim highlighted this transformation by sharing a vintage photo showcasing Tiger Woods navigating the thick trees alongside the 11th hole from the late 1990s or early 2000s. The removal of these trees now provides a clearer and more direct route for certain shot shapes, which could influence scoring and tactics throughout the tournament.
Ongoing Challenges at the 12th Hole Compared to Augusta National
While the 11th hole’s changes may ease attacking options, Kim cautioned that the 12th hole at Muirfield remains as formidable as ever. Drawing a parallel to Augusta National’s iconic 12th hole, Kim described the daunting nature of playing around the green at Muirfield, emphasizing the risk of aggressive shots that often lead to penalty situations. He said,
“If the pin is right, even if you hit it in the back left bunker, you basically have to lay up to 45 feet, and take your bogey unless you get a perfect lie in the bunker. You can easily hit it into the water from by the green if you get too aggressive. I’m just aiming at the middle of the green 10 yards on the green. That front bunker is ok, but it’s a brutal hole from 180 yards. Augusta 12 is like 155 max. The wind swirls just as much, and prevailing wind is into.” —Michael Kim, Professional Golfer
This insight underscores that despite the altered 11th hole, players will still face intricate conditions demanding careful judgment and precision on adjacent holes.
What This Means for the Memorial Tournament Ahead
Michael Kim’s observations about Muirfield’s evolving landscape, especially on the 11th and 12th holes, suggest the 2025 Memorial Tournament will test the adaptability and decision-making of all participants. As the course balances new offensive options with sustained difficulty on other holes, players will need to recalibrate strategies to capitalize on these changes while avoiding costly errors. Fans and competitors alike should anticipate a compelling competition shaped by Muirfield’s blend of tradition and transformation.