Prestwick Golf Club
TOP 10 FACTS
Name:
Prestwick Golf Club
Location:
Prestwick, South Ayrshire, Scotland
Opened:
1851
Designed By:
Old Tom Morris
Category:
Classic Scottish Links
Stats:
Par 71 / 5,984 metres (6,544 yards)
Rating and Slope:
Information not available
Tournament History:
Hosted The Open Championship 24 times between 1860 and 1925
Facilities:
Traditional clubhouse, historic dining room, pro shop, practice ground, and caddie services
Signature Features:
The famous 1st hole “Railway,” the menacing Cardinal Bunker on the 3rd, and the blind approach on the legendary 17th “Alps”
Unique Fact:
Prestwick is recognised as the birthplace of The Open Championship, having hosted the first ever tournament in 1860
Prestwick Golf Club is one of the most historically significant venues in the world of golf. Located on Scotland’s west coast in South Ayrshire, this iconic links course is widely known as the birthplace of The Open Championship. Established in 1851, Prestwick’s original 12-hole layout was crafted by none other than Old Tom Morris, who went on to become one of the most important figures in the history of the game.
The course was expanded to 18 holes in 1882, and today plays to a par 71 over 6,544 yards. Despite modern technology and longer hitters, Prestwick remains a challenging and highly characterful test of traditional links golf. With undulating fairways, natural dunes, deep revetted bunkers, and quirky hole designs, it offers a truly authentic Scottish golf experience.
Among its standout holes is the 1st, famously named “Railway”, which runs tight along a boundary wall and the railway line—demanding accuracy right from the start. The 3rd hole, known as “Cardinal”, features a vast, strategically placed bunker complex that continues to frustrate and fascinate players in equal measure. The 17th, called “Alps,” is one of the oldest and most unique holes in golf—a blind approach over a towering dune to a hidden green, showcasing Prestwick’s timeless charm.
Prestwick Golf Club hosted The Open Championship 24 times, including the very first in 1860, won by Willie Park Sr. The event’s early years were defined here, and the course’s influence can still be felt throughout the history of links golf. Although The Open outgrew Prestwick as a venue after 1925, it remains a place of pilgrimage for golf purists.
The clubhouse is a treasure trove of golfing heritage, filled with memorabilia, original artefacts, and photographs from the earliest days of competitive golf. Players are welcomed with warm hospitality and have access to a pro shop, practice facilities, and caddie services that add to the experience.
A round at Prestwick Golf Club is more than just a game—it’s a journey through the soul of golf. If you’re planning a golf trip to Scotland and seeking tradition, character, and unforgettable holes, Prestwick is an essential addition to your itinerary.
Packages including this course or that can be added with Tailormade packages
courses & CLubs nearby
