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Prestwick, Scotland |
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Prestwick Golf Club
2 Links Road
Prestwick
Ayrshire
KA9 1QG
Scotland |  | Old Tom Morris |  | David Flemming |
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 Prestwick Golf Club hosted its 24th and last Open Championship in 1925. Only St Andrews has hosted more Open Championships than Prestwick.
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Date
1860
1861
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1872
1875
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1884
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1925 |
Winner
Willie Park Sr
Tom Morris Sr
Tom Morris Sr
Willie Park Sr
Tom Morris Sr
Andrew Strath
Willie Park Sr
Tom Morris Sr
Tom Morris Jr
Tom Morris Jr
Tom Morris Jr
Tom Morris Jr
Willie Park Sr
Jamie Anderson
Bob Ferguson
Jack Simpson
Willie Park Jr
John Ball Jr
Willie Auchterlonie
Harry Vardon
Harry Vardon
James Braid
Harry Vardon
Jim Barnes |
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Country
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland
England
Scotland
England
England
Scotland
England
USA |
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| | In 1851, a 12-hole course was founded at Prestwick Golf Club with Old Tom Morris as “Keeper of the Green”. Nine years later in 1860, the British Open Championship was born and didn’t move away from Prestwick until it went to St Andrews in 1873. The Open has been hosted here no fewer than 24 times, although the most recent championship was held in 1925. St Andrews is the only venue to have hosted more Opens (26) than Prestwick and obviously the Old Course is still on the Open circuit.
The first eleven Opens were contested for a red Moroccan belt, which was won outright by Young Tom Morris after he successfully won three consecutive titles between 1868 and 1870. There was no Open Championship in 1871 because there was no trophy to play for until the Claret Jug was purchased for £30 and offered for annual competition in 1872. Ironically Young Tom Morris was the first winner of the Claret Jug. Six more holes were added to Prestwick’s original 12-hole layout in 1883.
The course is a traditional monument, an authentic affair with a layout of holes that snake to and fro through rugged dunes and rippled fairways. There are numerous blind holes and cavernous sleepered bunkers with wooden steps to take you down to the bottom. The greens are notoriously firm and fast – some are hidden in hollows whilst others are perched on raised plateaux. The majority are quite small and all of them have wicked borrows to negotiate.
One of Prestwick’s great strengths is the quality and variety of the holes. The 1st is one of the most intimidating holes in golf, a par 4 called “Railway”. The railway tracks run all the way down the right-hand side of the hole, waiting to gobble up a right-hander’s slice. The 3rd is a short par five (stroke index 1) called “Cardinal” and is famous for its deep, deep bunker, propped up by railway sleepers. The 5th is a blind par 3 called “Himalayas” – your tee shot must carry over a huge sand dune.
There are so many great things to say about Prestwick. The best thing to do is to play the course and judge it for yourself. Any serious golfer must tick this one off the list.
Bernard Darwin can bring Prestwick to a close much better than we can. In his book, The Golf Courses of the British Isles, he wrote: “So ends Prestwick, and what a jolly course it is, to be sure!”
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If the above course review article is not accurate, let us know by clicking here |
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In the section below, headed “Your Reviews”, are golf course reviews posted by visitors to the Top 100 website. There are no specific rules for reviewing a golf course except you MUST have played the golf course first. Merits of each course are left entirely to your discretion. Important factors, such as course location, condition (or presentation), course difficulty and historical importance are all left for you to judge and we have developed a simple rating system where you can allocate one score to each course. | |
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 |  | | Average Reviewers Score: |   | | Played in mid-June. Prestwick is not the prettiest course in Scotland nor the one in best condition. However, it must be played. The sense of history is breath-taking and I was treated like a member of a very small, friendly club. The caddy (Andy) was the best of the 15 I had on my trip. The conditioning is good--not nearly as good as neighboring Troon. Prestwick feels like a museum disgused as a golf course. Highly recommended for a good and interesting golf round and a fabulous golf experience.  | | Monday, July 12, 2010
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| | | I played Prestwick as the last of seven rounds in October 2009, and it was well worth saving for last. I lucked into a clear, calm somewhat cool morning, and had the course to myself at 8:30 a.m., due to a charity event with a scramble start beginning at noon the same day. The Secretary's suggestion that I hire a caddy (the very helpful and friendly Andrew) was a very good one, as some shots are blind, with real trouble lurking. The classic quirky holes (e.g. #1 Railroad, #3 Cardinal, Himalayas, Alps) completely lived up to their reputation, but I'd be hard-pressed to name a particularly weak hole, aside from the oft-noted short #18. Though catering was suspended due to the afternoon event, I had a quick beer in the history-soaked clubhouse, full of photos and trophies dating from the Old Tom/Young Tom days of the Open to the era of Tiger, Diana and Sandy Lyle. Do yourself a favor and play this course, which I believe is more reasonably-priced (and perhaps more welcoming???) than, for example, Troon or Muirfield (duh...). | | Monday, October 19, 2009
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| | | I played here is the Fall of 1998. The course was in good condition, the wind was up and the temp was cool. Even though the year was 1998 it felt more like the 1860's when the game began to take off with the start of the British Open. Prestwick bleeds tradition, class, and historical importance everywhere you step. The club house in 1998 appeared as though it hadn't changed a bit during the past 140 years. The course itself is a design masterpiece. Though very short by todays standards it can be punishing if you don't play to plan. You are presented with many blind shots amongst the sand dunes, deep bunkers everywhere and strategy (which barely exists in todays game) is very important at Prestwick. The course maybe short but a great deal of fun and a true way to experience golf as it was once played. This course is much more important than just hosting the first many Opens, I believe Prestwick is one of the most important architectural designs in existence today. Current course designers should take a look at courses like Prestwick because these designs have stood the test of time. I know the distance isn't there for the "bombers" but the quality of shots / holes / & strategy are and in fact they are as strong and prevalent as ever. If Scotland is in your golfing plans Prestwick had better be too. Make sure you take a caddie for and give yourself ample time to take in the club house. Cheers! | | Saturday, February 14, 2009
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| | | I played Prestwick on 8th Jan '09, a beautiful winters morning. Having played all of the venues on the current open circuit (except Muirfield) I thought that Preswick was every bit as good as any of them. What Prestwick also has, is an abundance of charm and history. The course is really strong, much tougher than I had expected. The 1st is terrifying for a slicer like me, "Alps" and "Himalayas" live up to their daunting names. I LOVED Prestwick. As a matter of urgency, you should should play it. Sensational. | | Monday, January 19, 2009
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| | | Played an early A.M. 2-ball in Aug. 2008. First hole is very challenging, it looks as if there is almost no room to hit, but there is enough. This was one of the most fun rounds I have ever played, due to the history and variety of the course. The greens were also fantastic to putt on. Some blind shots, with hollows and mounds everywhere. This is what this American looks forward to when coming to play British links golf. Very friendly welcome as well. | | Friday, December 05, 2008
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| | | A fantastic course, a pure test of golf seeping history at every turn. | | Friday, November 07, 2008
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| | What a wonderful golf course. I was lucky enough to play Prestwick with my society last weekend and we had a superb time. The clubhouse was wonderful and the members and the staff made us enormously welcome...the starter even let 3 of us go out for 5 holes (for free) on the morning before we started. The course is a tremendous experience. A great links track with all the surprises one should hope for. I'd play here for the rest of my life given the chance...play more than once for best results. | | Friday, October 26, 2007
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| | | The professionals might gobble this course up for the length but it is still a great course for leisure golfers. The first and third holes are up to the hype and the experience of playing a course that hasn't changed in over 150 years is itself worth it. Agree with some comments that the green fees have been pushed up too much, probably due to tourist like ourselves. | | Thursday, September 27, 2007
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| | | Seeing the comments about the cost just show what happens when belt-notchers get out there and just notch away. They play courses they just don't understand and honestly those ahem, "gentlemen" need to stick to the Loch Lomond's and Old Head's of the world and just skip Prestwick, HCEG and The Old course.The cream would be there for the cats that know how to lick it up. Himalyas and Cardinal alone are worth the price of admission at Prestwick. Stay away from this course if you want a Kohler Spa experience please - and whilst spa-ing at the Old Course Hotel, please - just stay off the Old Course while you are at it. Never leave the room! | | Wednesday, October 04, 2006
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| Response: | | | Lee | Friday, September 28, 2007 | | This does smell of inverse snobbery. Prestwick whilst a good course is NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS A 6 BALL COURSE! It does have a few really good holes a couple of great ones but ultimately falls well short of the very best and that's what a 6 ball course should be. You're obviously entitled to your opinion (one of the great things about this site) but I think the comments are unfair. | | | Cornwell | Sunday, May 30, 2010 | | Having been born and raised on the Ayrshire coast and played links golf up and down both Scottish coasts for 30 years, am I entitled to an opinion Lee? Prestwick is an average course, poor value and a hotbed of elitism. |
| | | Played the course on a rainy morning with Billy on the bag....the previous reviewer is correct....he's awesome! As you walk up the first hole, you can't help but think of golfing greats and what Old Tom Morris would of hit off the first tee (6 iron for me). The course has barely changed in the last 100 years and you can tell that this is how golf was back in the beginning days of the open. A pure, raw, testing, pensive round of golf. The two blind shots are amazing (5th par 3 over a mountain of gorse, and the approach to 17, 170-200 yards over another huge hummock of grass with the sahara bunker waiting for your underclubbed shot). As far as price goes, it's a much better deal than nearby Royal Troon (210 pounds, you've gotta play both courses). This was the gem on my Scotland tour (includes Troon, Carnoustie, St Andrews New, Dalmahoy and Nairn). If you're close by, spend the morning on the links, afternoon in Culzean Castle and back to town for a little pint with the locals watching football. Whatever you do, don't leave the course before looking around the clubhouse and absorbing the history. Maybe the secretary will take you on a private tour of the truly historic memorabliia hidden in a room off the main entrance. All said, it's a winner and no trip to Scotland is complete with a visit! | | Saturday, September 23, 2006
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| | | I was lucky enough to play Prestwick in a match against the Club and so was able to judge the course without having to take into account the cost of a green fee which I always think couours the attitude. As this was my first experience, I took a caddy with me and, in my view, for first timers, this is essential. I loved every aspect of the course, risk and reward shots and even the blind tee shot at the 5th. Our opponents were suitably hospitable permitting us to win by a largish margin. Food was excellent. Top tip ? Get Billy on your bag - he's worth a dozen shots a round! | | Friday, June 09, 2006
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| | Although this is still a good course it certainly relies on its history rather than its quality in today's golfing terms. ALthough not the clubs fault the popularity of Ryanair and Prestwick airport does mean you are regularly buzzed by jets for which the smell is worse than the noise. The views are also poor but look past that and there is still some good golfing holes especially on the back nine. I certainly wouldn't pay the extravagent green fees to come back here and if you have to leave a course out on a tour here I think it would be this or Dundonald.  | | Tuesday, April 11, 2006
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| | | Stayed in a lovely b&b near to the course which was handy. Got a round here on a fairly quiet Sunday and had been agonising over the tee shot at the first for a few weeks (railway on the right and gorse on the left) – guess what? Duffed my tee shot 60 yards, ouch! The course was very enjoyable, probably for the experience rather than real course quality though. It is worth a play but maybe just the once – best holes 1st, 3rd (watch for the Cardinal bunker), 14th and 17th. Played to 5 over handicap which was my fault and not due to course difficulty. | | Monday, April 10, 2006
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| | | Prestwick is one of those courses that simply must be played. As one of the previous reviewers said, it's interesting. The start is good and the finish is excellent but the holes in middle are fairly average. If the wind is in the wrong direction (as it was when we played) there's a constant smell of aviation fuel from Prestwick airport, which is a bit nauseous. Nevertheless it's a course well worth playing and it's a real golfing step back in time which doesn’t beat you up too badly. | | Saturday, April 08, 2006
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| | | Interesting. That’s how I would phase Prestwick. I really enjoyed my day here, but in a completely different way to Dundonald and Turnberry. It IS like stepping back in time. The pick of the holes for me was 15; a blind narrow tee shot, and a blind approach to a green that runs away from you. 17 is the most bizarre hole I have ever played, confusing in some ways. You need to come here with a different attitude, and accept the course for what it is, a trip into the history of golf. The greens were fast and true (in March!), the clubhouse very friendly, the course empty (other than our fourball, only two more members ventured the course the whole day). Highly recommended. | | Friday, March 31, 2006
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| | I find it hard to believe that I played the same course as some of the other reviews. Course was vastly over priced, if I had paid £60 then I would have put it down to experience but at £120, I'm sorry, but expect something special. Rely entirely on the history, other than the 1st and 3rd which are enjoyable, course is boring and over rated, doesn't rank in my top 100. | | Monday, January 23, 2006
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| | | I absolutely love this course. I played there for the first time in 1984, and I've played there two other times since. Playing Prestwick reminds me of the Titlest NXT golf ball ads on TV where the ghost of Old Tom Morris appears. Every time you look around you expect to see a ghost or other reminder of the times when the British Open was played there in 1860.
History aside, Prestwick remains an enjoyable and very playable golf course. The course measures around 6500 yards from the medal tees, and this includes two short, driveable par 4's at 16 and 18.
Prestwick delivers you into the world of Scottish golf during the 1800's. There are blind shots, rolling fairways, steeply banked greens, dunes, gigantic bunkers straight in your path, and hidden pot bunkers that are almost impossible to get out of. In sum, everything that golf was. Blind shots are out of fashion now, but most of the other elements are still incorporated into course design today.
I would tell everyone who enjoys golf to make the pilgrimage to Prestwick. Take a step back into the past, and even with titanium drivers and the ProV1, you will still have quite a challange on your hands.
Richard Smith Knoxville, Tennessee | | Sunday, December 04, 2005
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| | | Returned for another Monday at noon SGU tee time in October 2005. This time our four ball arrived early and had a brunch in the Cardinal Dining Room because we would not make lunch in the afternoon!
The weather was so bad all around us but we managed to get away with only a few showers and
complete our round in a touch under five hours. All in the party were impressed and glad to have played on such an historic track. Jim McCann | | Friday, October 28, 2005
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| | | 'Birthplace of The Open', need I say more? (!) | | Wednesday, October 26, 2005
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| | | Played the course at noon on a Monday in August 2003. The club offer the SGU a token tee time once a week at this time at a discounted rate for a fourball. A noon start time is convenient for Prestwick as it means visiting golfers have no chance of rubbing shoulders with the esteemed in their famed Cardinal dining room which closes at 4.00pm - our group ended up at the Red Lion pub along the road for our after golf meal (where the club was first formed many moons ago, as it turns out). We never have rated stuffy clubhouses anyway so it was no great loss to dine elsewhere.
As for the course - magnificent! If you like your golf
old fashioned (like the Machrie) then this is the place for you. Blind drives and approach shots over
massive dunes to God knows what lies beyond and generally small and wildly undulating greens make this a course not suited to the faint hearted. Too old fashioned to ever be considered an Open venue again, it is a place to pay homage to the venue for those original Opens. Oh, and did I forget to mention the bunkers? Many feet taller or deeper than your height, depending on the lie of the land, these massive sleepered craters are a sight to behold and a hazard to be avoided.
So don't expect a great welcome if my experience is anything to go by but enjoy playing on the same holes of Open champions from over a hundred years ago. I'm surprised the committee haven't stipulated the compulsary wearing of plus fours! | | Friday, December 24, 2004
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| | | Palpable history with idiosyncratic holes and awesome greens. Clubhouse full of golfing artifacts and catering would put Gordon Ramsay to shame. Course set up for matchplay with greens second to none. In my top three courses anywhere. Every golf nut should play this course at least once, as there is no other club similar. | | Tuesday, June 29, 2004
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