3 Nights, 4 Rounds
Founded in 1851 and shaped by Old Tom Morris, who left St Andrews to become Keeper of the Green, club and ball maker, Prestwick Golf Club is one of Scotland's great golfing originals. It hosted the first Open Championship in 1860 and it still feels like you're stepping into the early pages of the game's story. It's also firmly among the best courses in Ayrshire for anyone who loves proper links golf.
Prestwick is unapologetically quirky in the best way. You'll face blind shots, sharp angles off the tee and some famously punishing bunkers, including the Cardinal on the third that swallows anything slightly offline. If you enjoy thinking your way around a course rather than simply hitting driver as hard as possible, you'll have a great time here. If you don't, well, Prestwick will quickly remind you who's in charge.
Big names have praised it over the years, with Tom Watson among those who've spoken warmly about the experience, alongside major champions Mark O'Meara and Ernie Els. Worth going in with an open mind, especially if this is your first taste of classic Scottish links.
Prestwick pairs brilliantly with nearby Royal Troon and Turnberry for an Ayrshire links tour that's heavy on history and variety. If you're planning a West of Scotland break, this is an easy one to build into the itinerary.
Play Prestwick on your next Scotland golf break and we'll help you stitch together tee times, accommodation and the right mix of courses for your group.
Who is this for?
Golfers who want a genuine slice of Open history and don't mind a course with plenty of personality.
Who is it best for?
Players who enjoy strategic links golf, quirky bounces and the occasional blind shot. If you're higher handicap, you'll still love the day out, just bring a few extra balls and a sense of humour.
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
Prestwick was the first course on the Open rota when the tournament was held there in 1860, the members raised money through entry fees to purchase a red morocco belt with silver clasps, and was won by Musselburgh's Willie Park. When Young Tom Morris won three successive titles from 1868, he was awarded the belt permanently, necessitating the purchase of the now famous Claret Jug in 1872.
It is only the Old Course at St Andrews that has hosted more Open Championships than Prestwick. Today's visitors can expect a traditional charismatic links course, sharing the same turf as the prestigious Royal Troon, and a warm welcome in the clubhouse, where excellent food is available in both the Dining Room and the more relaxed Cardinal Room.
| Par | 71 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Old Tom Morris |
| Opened for play | 1851 |
| Previously hosted | The Open (24 times) |
| Championship | 6,908 yards | SSS 74 |
|---|---|---|
| Medal | 6,551 yards | SSS 73 |
| Senior | 5,973 yards | SSS 71 |
| Ladies | 5,571 yards | SSS 74 |
Prestwick was the first course on The Open rota and has held The Open a total of 24 times, the last being in 1925.
| Year | Winner | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1925 | Jim Barnes | England | 300 gross |
| 1914 | Harry Vardon | Jersey | 306 gross |
| 1908 | James Braid | Scotland | 291 gross |
| 1903 | Harry Vardon | Jersey | 300 gross |
| 1898 | Harry Vardon | Jersey | 307 gross |
| 1893 | William Auchterlonie | Scotland | 322 gross |
| 1890 | John Ball | England | 162 gross |
| 1887 | Willie Park Jnr. | Scotland | 161 gross |
| 1884 | Jack Simpson | Scotland | 160 gross |
| 1881 | Bob Ferguson | Scotland | 170 gross |
| 1878 | Jamie Anderson | Scotland | 157 gross |
| 1875 | Willie Park Snr. | Scotland | 166 gross |
| 1872 | Young Tom Morris | Scotland | 166 gross |
| 1870 | Young Tom Morris | Scotland | 149 gross |
| 1869 | Young Tom Morris | Scotland | 157 gross |
| 1868 | Young Tom Morris | Scotland | 154 gross |
| 1867 | Old Tom Morris | Scotland | 170 gross |
| 1866 | Old Tom Morris | Scotland | 169 gross |
| 1865 | Andrew Strath | Scotland | 162 gross |
| 1864 | Old Tom Morris | Scotland | 167 gross |
| 1863 | Willie Park Snr. | Scotland | 168 gross |
| 1862 | Old Tom Morris | Scotland | 163 gross |
| 1861 | Old Tom Morris | Scotland | 163 gross |
| 1860 | Willie Park Snr. | Scotland | 174 gross |
David
✓31 Aug 2019
Prestwick oozes tradition and is a golfing experience not to be missed
Javier
✓7 Jul 2019
So very special place, history is everywhere, some weird holes but lots of fun! Definitely a must play in the area!
John
✓17 Jun 2019
Prestwick is a course that one must play. It is well known to be a bit quirky in places, but overall I would say that it is good, fair test of golf. Only a couple of times a good shot to the green was punished by a random bounce. We used a Forecaddy, which is essential if you have not played the course before, due to many blind shots. The Forecaddy was good with the lines, but kept telling us, often just as we were about to hit the ball, that we were playing too slowly, and had to speed up. As we kept clear of the group behind, and did the front 9 in 1hr 55 min, and the whole 18 in 3hr, 55 min, which is quick for a Fourball, these comments were totally unnecessary. It seemed that he wanted to get back for lunch before his afternoon round. We eventually told him to button it. The staff at the club made us feel very welcome, particularly the dining and bar staff, and the reception staff. Overall, we had a lovely day at Prestwick, which is a must-do for all golfers.
Anthony
✓23 Apr 2019
Loved Prestwick. Perhaps could have a little more signage to assist a visitor to negotiate the course. But it is full of interesting challenges, and is a real Links Course.
No
Yes
Very limited availability on Saturday
£50 plus £10-15 tip
There are 2 bars on site
There is complimentary car parking
