Photo: Billy McCrorie · CC BY-SA 2.0
Prestwick Golf Club
Prestwick, South Ayrshire, United Kingdom
18 Holes · Par 71 · Visitor green fees vary by season and day; check the club for current rates · Links
— About
About Prestwick Golf Club
Prestwick Golf Club is a par 71, 18-hole links in South Ayrshire and the birthplace of The Open Championship. Old Tom Morris laid out the original 12 holes after becoming the club's keeper of the green in 1851, and the course that grew from them still runs through rugged dunes on narrow fairways, with several blind shots along the way. The first Open was played here in October 1860 over three rounds of those 12 holes, and Willie Park of Musselburgh won it by two strokes from Morris.
- The winner of that first Open received a red leather belt with silver clasps.
- Eight professionals played in the first Open in 1860.
- The clubhouse displays a collection of golf memorabilia.
- The 17th is regarded as the oldest hole in championship golf, and it has not changed since Old Tom Morris built it.
History of Prestwick Golf Club
Prestwick Golf Club was formally organized in 1851. Within a decade its members had staged the first Open, and the club went on to host the first twelve championships. In all, Prestwick held 24 Opens between 1860 and 1925, a total second only to St Andrews. The last of them, in 1925, drew an estimated 15,000 spectators, and crowd control was the problem that ended the club's run as host. The Open has not returned since.
Signature holes at Prestwick Golf Club
The 3rd, the Cardinal, is a par 5 guarded by the famous bunker that gives it its name. The 5th, the Himalayas, is a blind par 3. The 17th, the Alps, is a par 4 of 394 yards where the second shot is played blind over a mound of dunes.
When to play Prestwick Golf Club
Prestwick welcomes visitors on most weekdays and for most of the year. Tee times are reserved through the club's website.
Playing Prestwick Golf Club: tips
Reserve your tee time before you travel, because visitors cannot simply turn up and play. The course is a links with blind shots, so allow time to learn the lines.
Visit Prestwick Golf Club
2-4 Links Road, Prestwick, Ayrshire KA9 1QH
Prestwick, South Ayrshire, United Kingdom
— Facilities
Practical Information
— FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Prestwick Golf Club
Can visitors play Prestwick Golf Club?
Yes. Prestwick is a members' club that takes visitors on most weekdays, and tee times have to be booked in advance through the club.
Is Prestwick a links course?
Yes. It is a seaside links on sandy ground by Old Tom Morris, played through dunes with narrow fairways and several shots where the green is out of sight.
Which hole is Prestwick best known for?
The 17th, the Alps, is the oldest hole in championship golf, and the Cardinal bunker on the 3rd is famous.