Prestwick Golf Club

The birthplace of @theopen a historic, traditional links course designed by Old Tom Morris in 1851. We welcome visiting golfers from all over the world.

[Prestwick Golf Club @PrestwickGC]

Change, when done well, need not compromise character.

The careful stewardship of everyone involved in our clubhouse renovation has ensured that we have modernised without surrendering the traditional essence that defines Prestwick, all while elevating the history on show.

[Prestwick Golf Club @PrestwickGC]

One hundred and seventy-five years of history has bestowed our links with some distinguished hole names, and here are the favourites of our Caddy Master and Head Pro.

What is your favourite?

[Prestwick Golf Club @PrestwickGC]

While many associate Old Tom with our links, James Ogilvy Fairlie was arguably the most important figure in our history.

Upon his death, the committee minuted: "...the members desire to express their sincere regret at the loss of one who may justly be looked upon as the Founder of the Club and whose untiring zeal & constant exertions on its behalf the present prosperous position of the Club is largely due."

[Prestwick Golf Club @PrestwickGC]

Our 12th hole dates back to 1882, when the course was extended to 18 holes.

Its exceptional green is fiercely protected by two hungry bunkers at the front, making for one of the day's most exhilarating approach shots - and one that's important to get right at this stage in a match.

[Prestwick Golf Club @PrestwickGC]

The 12th marks the conclusion of play on the 'new' land, before your return to the original site for the closing stretch.

While many regard 13 as the start of our famous finish, 'Wall' is a hole of such quality that it merits equal standing in that prestigious company.

[Prestwick Golf Club @PrestwickGC]

We remain deeply honoured that Bernard Darwin, golf's most celebrated chronicler, bestowed considerable praise upon our club and course.

Here are some extracts from his 1938 account 👇

[Prestwick Golf Club @PrestwickGC]

The annual cross-country match between Prestwick and @RoyalTroonGC is a cherished tradition. Members of both clubs are invited to experience two of the world's finest links in a single day, separated by a long lunch that is very much part of the occasion.

We look forward to another great match in just over a months time.

[Prestwick Golf Club @PrestwickGC]

Anne Bennett was a long-serving member of the Prestwick team and, after her passing, her husband David, our Executive Chef, compiled a club recipe book to raise funds in her memory.

To this day it continues to sell well and serves as a wonderful, unique memento of a visit to our Club.

[Jamie Kennedy @jamierkennedy]

Signing history.

After his win, Ryan Fox signed this sketch of The Old Course. It's been signed by every Open champion, dating back to the late 1800s.

It lives in the Prestwick clubhouse.

Surely one of the most valuable pieces of artwork in golf.

[Prestwick Golf Club @PrestwickGC]

A 360 degree view of our 17th hole, originally the 2nd on our 12 hole routing, distinguished by two notable features: the formidable Sahara bunker guarding the green, and its status as the oldest hole in championship golf.

[Prestwick Golf Club @PrestwickGC]

Our 17th stands as the oldest hole in championship golf, unaltered since 1851 and faithful to its form when the inaugural 1860 Open Championship was played.

[Prestwick Golf Club @PrestwickGC]

We extend our best wishes to all competitors at @royalbirkdale for the 154th Open Championship, and to the members enjoying such a special week.

We shall be watching with great pride to see who hoists the Claret Jug come Sunday evening.

[Prestwick Golf Club @PrestwickGC]

The role our Club played in the creation of the Claret Jug, the game's most beautiful and revered trophy.

@TheOpen

[Prestwick Golf Club @PrestwickGC]

Happy 175th Birthday to our wonderful Club, founded on 2nd July 1851 by 57 gentlemen in the Red Lion Inn.

They elected the 13th Earl of Eglinton as the first Captain, and importantly, James Ogilvie Fairlie, who would go on to be the brainchild of The Open, employed Tom Morris as the Keeper of the Green, Ball and Clubmaker.

Little did they know what influence our small club would have on the game over the coming 175 years.

[Prestwick Golf Club @PrestwickGC]

Behind every plate here stands David and his teams meticulous attention to detail.

Food of this calibre is rarely found at golf clubs, and it requires no small effort. Every ingredient is sourced locally and everything that can be made in house is done so - even the ketchup.

[Prestwick Golf Club @PrestwickGC]

The railway serves a dual purpose here:

It provides access from Glasgow directly to our doorstep, whilst also functioning as a unique hazard on the first hole, where players must hug the boundary wall for the best angle into the green.

[Prestwick Golf Club @PrestwickGC]

David's commitment to sourcing exceptional local ingredients is matched only by his skill in crafting menus of consistent brilliance.

Working to tight timescales, without fail he transforms whatever the market provides into exceptional meals.

[Prestwick Golf Club @PrestwickGC]

Railways have always played a key part in links golf, providing access to the best golfing land from the cities back in the 1800s.

But few clubs can boast a station quite so close to the clubhouse and first tee as ours.

[Prestwick Golf Club @PrestwickGC]

Bobby does a superb job here, welcoming visitors and ensuring they are properly briefed and dispatched to the course with admirable punctuality.

When the 12 hole routing was played last month, he certainly had his work cut out.