3 Nights, 4 Rounds
Founded in 1851 and shaped by Old Tom Morris, who left St Andrews to become Keeper of the Green, club and ball maker, Prestwick Golf Club is one of Scotland's great golfing originals. It hosted the first Open Championship in 1860 and it still feels like you're stepping into the early pages of the game's story. It's also firmly among the best courses in Ayrshire for anyone who loves proper links golf.
Prestwick is unapologetically quirky in the best way. You'll face blind shots, sharp angles off the tee and some famously punishing bunkers, including the Cardinal on the third that swallows anything slightly offline. If you enjoy thinking your way around a course rather than simply hitting driver as hard as possible, you'll have a great time here. If you don't, well, Prestwick will quickly remind you who's in charge.
Big names have praised it over the years, with Tom Watson among those who've spoken warmly about the experience, alongside major champions Mark O'Meara and Ernie Els. Worth going in with an open mind, especially if this is your first taste of classic Scottish links.
Prestwick pairs brilliantly with nearby Royal Troon and Turnberry for an Ayrshire links tour that's heavy on history and variety. If you're planning a West of Scotland break, this is an easy one to build into the itinerary.
Play Prestwick on your next Scotland golf break and we'll help you stitch together tee times, accommodation and the right mix of courses for your group.
Who is this for?
Golfers who want a genuine slice of Open history and don't mind a course with plenty of personality.
Who is it best for?
Players who enjoy strategic links golf, quirky bounces and the occasional blind shot. If you're higher handicap, you'll still love the day out, just bring a few extra balls and a sense of humour.
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
Prestwick was the first course on the Open rota when the tournament was held there in 1860, the members raised money through entry fees to purchase a red morocco belt with silver clasps, and was won by Musselburgh's Willie Park. When Young Tom Morris won three successive titles from 1868, he was awarded the belt permanently, necessitating the purchase of the now famous Claret Jug in 1872.
It is only the Old Course at St Andrews that has hosted more Open Championships than Prestwick. Today's visitors can expect a traditional charismatic links course, sharing the same turf as the prestigious Royal Troon, and a warm welcome in the clubhouse, where excellent food is available in both the Dining Room and the more relaxed Cardinal Room.
| Par | 71 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Old Tom Morris |
| Opened for play | 1851 |
| Previously hosted | The Open (24 times) |
| Championship | 6,908 yards | SSS 74 |
|---|---|---|
| Medal | 6,551 yards | SSS 73 |
| Senior | 5,973 yards | SSS 71 |
| Ladies | 5,571 yards | SSS 74 |
Prestwick was the first course on The Open rota and has held The Open a total of 24 times, the last being in 1925.
| Year | Winner | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1925 | Jim Barnes | England | 300 gross |
| 1914 | Harry Vardon | Jersey | 306 gross |
| 1908 | James Braid | Scotland | 291 gross |
| 1903 | Harry Vardon | Jersey | 300 gross |
| 1898 | Harry Vardon | Jersey | 307 gross |
| 1893 | William Auchterlonie | Scotland | 322 gross |
| 1890 | John Ball | England | 162 gross |
| 1887 | Willie Park Jnr. | Scotland | 161 gross |
| 1884 | Jack Simpson | Scotland | 160 gross |
| 1881 | Bob Ferguson | Scotland | 170 gross |
| 1878 | Jamie Anderson | Scotland | 157 gross |
| 1875 | Willie Park Snr. | Scotland | 166 gross |
| 1872 | Young Tom Morris | Scotland | 166 gross |
| 1870 | Young Tom Morris | Scotland | 149 gross |
| 1869 | Young Tom Morris | Scotland | 157 gross |
| 1868 | Young Tom Morris | Scotland | 154 gross |
| 1867 | Old Tom Morris | Scotland | 170 gross |
| 1866 | Old Tom Morris | Scotland | 169 gross |
| 1865 | Andrew Strath | Scotland | 162 gross |
| 1864 | Old Tom Morris | Scotland | 167 gross |
| 1863 | Willie Park Snr. | Scotland | 168 gross |
| 1862 | Old Tom Morris | Scotland | 163 gross |
| 1861 | Old Tom Morris | Scotland | 163 gross |
| 1860 | Willie Park Snr. | Scotland | 174 gross |
Richard
✓5 May 2026
An excellent experience at one of the all time classic links courses. Incredible clubhouse and nice staff.
Kelly
✓23 Apr 2026
This is a course with an assortment of golf holes that you won't encounter on other courses. Great caddies and staff with an outstanding clubhouse including an Open museum. Prestwick is the home of the Open and has a great viewing area of the 1st tee and 18th green from the bar as well as excellent food.
Paul
✓24 Oct 2025
An absolute must play if you are in the area. Not long by any standards, but full of fun, tricky and memorable golf holes. The welcome and clubhouse are very hard to better.
Mark
✓27 Jun 2025
Welcome fantastic weather was tough Caddy Tim perfect 👌🏼 Andy and Bobby caddy masters looked after us very well 👍🏼
Jeremy
✓27 Jun 2025
Blind shots and hard to find way round. Not as good expected
Sam
✓16 Feb 2025
The course and club was everything I’d hoped, heaped in history the clubhouse was an experience all on its own! The course is in a world of its own, thoroughly enjoyable day here and cannot wait to go back. If you’re obsessed this place is a must visit to appreciate the game and its history.
Andrew
✓9 Sep 2024
A few "quirky " holes which the starter did warn us about, but a great course with fantastic views
Philip
✓11 May 2024
Excellent - winter greens a little slow
Paul
✓10 May 2024
This is one of the most historic courses going and every golfer should make the effort to play it once and make their own minds up. We enjoyed it although some of the early holes are a bit ‘bomb alley’ and daunting for first timers. After the third hole it opens a little and we thoroughly enjoyed the day. We will definitely return and that says it all. Food and staff afterwards were a credit to PGC.
Mike
✓23 Sep 2023
Lovely course. Interesting blind holes. Good condition. Shared fairway on two holes not so great. Interesting 17th and a nice easy drivable par 4 to finish.
No
Yes
Very limited availability on Saturday
£50 plus £10-15 tip
There are 2 bars on site
There is complimentary car parking
