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Prestwick Golf Club

Prestwick, Ayrshire

linksAyrshireChampionshipFrom £250
Prestwick Golf Club golf course in Ayrshire - links. The birthplace of The Open Championship, hosting the first 12 Opens. A historic links c
Championship Course

Photograph: Mark Alexander

About This Course

The birthplace of The Open Championship, hosting the first 12 Opens. A historic links course with blind shots, pot bunkers, and traditional Scottish golf at its finest.

History & Heritage

Prestwick Golf Club, founded in 1851 by the Earl of Eglinton and 56 others including Old Tom Morris, is where The Open Championship was born. The first 12 Open Championships (1860-1872) were held exclusively at Prestwick, with Young Tom Morris winning four consecutive Opens here. Old Tom Morris was the first keeper of the green and professional. The course retains many blind shots and quirky features that make it one of golf's most unique and historic venues. The club alternated hosting The Open with St Andrews and Musselburgh until 1925.

Architect

Old Tom Morris

Established

1851

Notable Events
Major tournaments and championships hosted at this course
  • The Open
Signature Holes

The 1st, Railway, has an out-of-bounds wall down the right from tee to green. The 3rd, Cardinal, is the fourth hole of the original 12-hole course, with the Pow burn out of bounds along the hole. The 5th, Himalayas, is a blind par 3. The 17th, Alps, is the original 2nd hole from 1851. Yardages in the hole guide are the medal tees.

Best Time to Visit
Optimal playing conditions and seasonal information

Recommended Months

AprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctober

Course Conditions

Traditional links maintained with respect for history. Fairways are typically firm with natural contours. Greens are excellent and true. The famous bunkers are deep with high faces. Wind from the Firth of Clyde affects most holes. The course plays shorter than modern championship venues. Drainage is excellent. The quirky features and blind shots are maintained as originally designed.

Scotland's main golf season runs April to October.

Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Prestwick Golf Club
What type of golf course is Prestwick Golf Club?

Prestwick Golf Club is a links located in Ayrshire. The birthplace of The Open Championship, hosting the first 12 Opens. A historic links course with blind shots, pot bunkers, and traditional Scottish g...

Where is Prestwick Golf Club located?

Prestwick Golf Club is located in Prestwick, Ayrshire. It's situated in the Ayrshire region of Scotland.

What is the history of Prestwick Golf Club?

Prestwick Golf Club, founded in 1851 by the Earl of Eglinton and 56 others including Old Tom Morris, is where The Open Championship was born. The first 12 Open Championships (1860-1872) were held excl...

What are the course specifications at Prestwick Golf Club?

Prestwick Golf Club is a par 71 course measuring 6,551 yards. The course provides an excellent test of golf for players of all abilities.

How can I book a tee time at Prestwick Golf Club?

To book a tee time at Prestwick Golf Club, visit their official website at https://www.prestwickgc.co.uk or contact the course directly at +44 1292 477404. You can also reach them via email at bookings@prestwickgc.co.uk.

What is the best time to visit Prestwick Golf Club?

The best time to visit Prestwick Golf Club is during April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Traditional links maintained with respect for history. Fairways are typically firm with natural contours. Greens are excellent and true. The famous bunkers are deep with high faces. Wind from the Firth of Clyde affects most holes. The course plays shorter than modern championship venues. Drainage is excellent. The quirky features and blind shots are maintained as originally designed. Scotland's main golf season runs April to October.

What are the signature holes at Prestwick Golf Club?

The 1st, Railway, has an out-of-bounds wall down the right from tee to green. The 3rd, Cardinal, is the fourth hole of the original 12-hole course, with the Pow burn out of bounds along the hole. The ...

Course Statistics

Par

71

Length

6,551

yards

Facilities & Amenities
Available services and amenities at this course
Hole-by-Hole Guide
Medal tees, from the Prestwick Golf Club card

Hole 1

"Railway"
Par 4345 yardsSI 11

An out-of-bounds wall runs down the right from tee to green. A carry of about 160 yards reaches the fairway.

Hole 2

"Tunnel"
Par 3164 yardsSI 17

Named for the tunnel under the railway. It plays to one of the original greens of the 12-hole course laid out in 1851, with deep bunkers around the green.

Hole 3

"Cardinal"
Par 5477 yardsSI 3

The fourth hole of the original 12-hole course. It doglegs right. The Cardinal bunker is about 230 yards from the tee, and the Pow burn is out of bounds along the hole.

Hole 4

"Bridge"
Par 4384 yardsSI 13

The fairway and the green slope toward the Pow burn, which is out of bounds.

Hole 5

"Himalayas"
Par 3206 yardsSI 5

A blind par 3. Aim at the sleeper on the hill that matches the colour of the tee, and ring the bell after leaving the green.

Hole 6

"Elysian Fields"
Par 4362 yardsSI 15

The start of the stretch the club calls the Elysian Fields, holes 6 to 9. A shot short or left can kick toward the deep bunker left of the green.

Hole 7

"Monkton Miln"
Par 4430 yardsSI 1

Stroke index 1. The second shot is uphill, over two hidden fairway bunkers.

Hole 8

"End"
Par 4432 yardsSI 9

The furthest point from the clubhouse. A tee shot on the right needs to carry 225 yards to clear the last bunker.

Hole 9

"Eglinton"
Par 4444 yardsSI 7

Named after the club’s first captain, the Earl of Eglinton. The approach is semi-blind.

Hole 10

"Arran"
Par 4453 yardsSI 4

Looks toward the Isle of Arran. The approach is uphill.

Hole 11

"Carrick"
Par 3195 yardsSI 16

The green slopes from right to left, with bunkers on both sides.

Hole 12

"Wall"
Par 5513 yardsSI 8

A narrow par 5. The green slopes heavily from right to left.

Hole 13

"Sea Headrig"
Par 4458 yardsSI 2

Stroke index 2. Willie Campbell’s Grave is a hidden bunker on the left. This was the 5th hole on the original 12-hole course.

Hole 14

"Goosedubs"
Par 4363 yardsSI 14

A dub is Scots for a pond. The ground left of the fairway used to flood.

Hole 15

"Narrows"
Par 4353 yardsSI 10

The club calls this the most demanding tee shot on the course. The green slopes from the front left to the back right.

Hole 16

"Cardinals Back"
Par 4290 yardsSI 18

The Cardinal bunker gathers shots short and right. Willie Campbell’s Grave splits the fairways and needs a carry of 225 yards.

Hole 17

"Alps"
Par 4394 yardsSI 6

The original 2nd hole from 1851. A second shot that falls short finds the Sahara bunker. Ring the bell on leaving the green.

Hole 18

"Clock"
Par 4288 yardsSI 12

Aim the tee shot at the clock on the clubhouse. The green slopes from left to right.

Green Fees
Pricing information for visitors

peak Season

weekday

April-October weekdays. Historic venue premium. Very limited availability.

£250

peak Season

weekend

April-October weekends. Extremely limited.

£295

Contact Information
Location

Prestwick, Ayrshire

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Scotland's main golf season runs April to October.