Prestwick Golf Club
Prestwick Golf Club | Ayrshire
Known as the Birthplace of The Open Championship, Prestwick Golf Club is one of the most historic and distinctive courses in the world. First played in 1860, its fairways still carry the imprint of golf’s earliest champions—Willie Park Sr., Young Tom Morris, and Harry Vardon. To stand on the first tee beside the famous Railway Hole is to feel the weight of history, where stone walls and narrow turf have challenged generations of golfers.
Prestwick is filled with character: the vast Cardinal Bunker on the par-5 3rd, the blind Himalayas par-3 5th, and the legendary Alps 17th, still played much as it was over 150 years ago. The finishing stretch, played over land scarcely wide enough for four holes, is among the quirkiest and most unforgettable closings in golf. Every shot here is a reminder that this is where championship golf began.
The clubhouse, rich with memorabilia and tradition, offers another essential part of the experience—jacket and tie recommended for a traditional lunch between rounds. Playing Prestwick is more than ticking off a bucket-list course; it’s a rare chance to immerse yourself in the living history of the game.
Course Stats | Prestwick Golf Club
Par: 71
Yardage: 6,908 yards (Championship tees)
Course Rating: 73.2
Slope Rating: 136
Designer: Old Tom Morris – Founded 1851
Type: Historic championship links
Signature Holes:
1st (Railway Hole): Par 4 running tight along the railway and stone boundary wall—intimidating opener.
3rd (Cardinal): Strategic par 5 dominated by the massive Cardinal Bunker.
5th (Himalayas): Blind par 3 played over a towering dune.
17th (Alps): Classic par 4 requiring a blind approach over a dune to a hidden green—unchanged since the 1800s.
Championships:
The Open Championship: Birthplace of The Open (1860), host 24 times (last in 1925).
Historic venue for Amateur Championships and international matches.
Season / Best Months to Play
Overall, Scotland is a year-round golf destination, but conditions vary dramatically:
May – September: Ideal balance of playability and firm links conditions.
June – August: Peak months with long daylight and prime conditioning.
September: Slightly quieter, still excellent weather, and fewer crowds—perfect for luxury travelers.
