Muirfield Village Golf Club was established in 1974 when Jack Nicklaus, at age 26, purchased 220 acres of land in Dublin, Ohio, near his hometown of Columbus. The course represents Nicklaus' first design project, created with help from architect Desmond Muirhead.

Construction began in July 1972 and finished in October 1973. The course was named after Muirfield, Scotland, where Nicklaus won his first British Open in 1966. Originally 6,978 yards with 77 bunkers and 11 water hazards, today it stretches 7,221 yards with 71 bunkers.

The course officially opened on Memorial Day 1974 with an exhibition match between Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf, where Nicklaus shot a course record 66. The first official event was the Columbus Pro-Am in August 1975.

The Memorial Tournament, one of only five PGA Tour invitational events, began in 1976. Roger Maltbie won the inaugural tournament, while Nicklaus himself won in 1977 and 1984. Notable multiple winners include:

• Tiger Woods (5 wins)
• Kenny Perry (3 wins)
• Peter Cantlay, Greg Norman, Tom Watson, and Hale Irwin (2 wins each)

The tournament maintains elite status by:

• Limiting field to 120 players (vs standard 156)
• Requiring strict qualification criteria
• Honoring golf legends annually with plaques near clubhouse
• Supporting charitable causes, particularly Nationwide Children's Hospital

Muirfield Village is considered Nicklaus' finest design achievement and hosts what many consider the PGA Tour's "fifth major." The course continues to challenge the world's best players while upholding the high standards of its legendary designer.

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