Hole 15 at Muirfield Village Golf Club
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 561 yds
- Stroke index
- 2
- Hazards
- 7 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 31 yds deep × 29 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 5 · 561 yards
The plan for No. 15
The 15th hole at Muirfield Village Golf Club stands as a demanding par 5 that embodies Jack Nicklaus's strategic design philosophy at his beloved "Jack's Place." Stretching 561 yards through the rolling hills and majestic trees that define this Memorial Tournament venue, this straight-away hole presents a deceptively challenging test. Despite the absence of major hazards, the small green complex becomes the focal point, demanding precise approach shots from players attempting to reach in two. The generous fairway invites aggressive tee shots, but the compact target area requires exceptional accuracy on the final approach. This hole exemplifies Muirfield Village's reputation for rewarding calculated risk-taking while punishing overly aggressive play, making it a true championship-caliber finishing stretch challenge.
Off the tee
Your tee shot strategy should focus on finding the optimal position for your second shot rather than maximum distance. The fairway offers a generous landing area, but the premium lies in the center-right portion where you'll have the best angle for your layup. A well-struck driver or 3-wood should target the heart of the fairway, avoiding any trouble that may lurk along the tree-lined edges. The rolling terrain that characterizes Muirfield Village can provide helpful bounces if you find the proper line, so commit to your target and make an aggressive swing within your comfort zone.
Approach & recovery
The approach shot on this par 5 is typically a strategic layup rather than an aggressive attempt to reach the green. Position your second shot to leave a comfortable wedge distance - ideally between 80-120 yards to the pin. This middle iron or hybrid shot should target the wider portion of the fairway that provides the best angle into the small green. Avoid the temptation to advance the ball too far forward if it means compromising your angle or leaving an awkward yardage for your third shot.
On the green
The small green demands precision with your wedge approach and rewards accurate putting. The compact putting surface means there's little room for error - focus on hitting your target rather than attacking pins. The green's contours, typical of Nicklaus designs, will feature subtle breaks that can be deceiving. Take time to read the slopes carefully, as the small target amplifies any mistakes in speed or line. Conservative putting to the center of the green often yields better results than aggressive attempts at difficult pin positions. ## RISK VS REWARD The primary risk/reward decision comes on the second shot - whether to lay up conservatively or attempt to get closer to the green. The reward for an aggressive second shot is a shorter third shot, but the risk of finding trouble or leaving a difficult angle to the small green rarely justifies the gamble. The smarter play is accepting the three-shot par 5 and focusing on executing three quality shots rather than trying to manufacture an unlikely eagle opportunity. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Higher Handicap Players:** Embrace the three-shot strategy completely. Use your most reliable club off the tee, even if it's a 3-wood or hybrid. Focus on keeping the ball in play and advancing it steadily down the fairway. Your third shot should prioritize hitting the green rather than attacking the pin - the small target makes finding the putting surface the primary goal. **Lower Handicap Players:** While still respecting the three-shot design, you have more flexibility in your approach. A well-positioned drive might allow for a more aggressive second shot if conditions are favorable. However, the small green still demands respect - even skilled players benefit from conservative target selection on the approach shot. Your superior short game skills give you the best chance to capitalize on birdie opportunities from anywhere on the green. The 15th at Muirfield Village rewards the patient, strategic golfer who understands that sometimes the best offense is smart course management. Trust Jack Nicklaus's design and play within your capabilities to turn this challenging hole into a scoring opportunity.
Hole 15 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,628 sq ft
Course and tournament history
Historical context for the course and venue. Each entry identifies the event or course it describes.
Jack Nicklaus
Muirfield Village was the brainchild of Jack Nicklaus, earning its nickname of "Jack's Place"
Source →1966 · Jack Nicklaus
Founded by Jack Nicklaus, it is named after Muirfield, Scotland,[1] where he won the first of his three British Open titles in 1966 to complete the first of his three career grand slams
Source →
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about Muirfield Village Golf Club — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
The Memorial Tournament highlights
the Memorial Tournament | Final Round Highlights
2025
How did Hole 15 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 561 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 561 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
How difficult is hole 15?
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This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 5, water in play, heavily bunkered.
How big is the green on hole 15?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 15?
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This hole is a true three-shot hole where birdie requires execution. This longer par 5 demands patience. Two good shots set up the scoring opportunity.