DUBLIN, Ohio – When PGA Tour players make their annual pilgrimage to the Columbus area for this week's Memorial Tournament, they will notice a change to Muirfield Village Golf Club. Six bunkers have been eliminated at the 18th hole.
Jack Nicklaus, the course designer and tournament host who grew up in nearby Upper Arlington, has unveiled many changes since opening Muirfield Village in 1974. Mainly because of improved equipment, Nicklaus has redesigned or dramatically changed every hole in the ensuing four decades.
Thus, eliminating four bunkers on the right side of the closing hole's fairway this spring were part of the lengthening process that predates the 2013 Presidents Cup here.