PRESTWICK GOLF CLUB
🏴 Prestwick, South Ayrshire, Scotland
Designed by Old Tom Morris

Prestwick, birthplace of Open Championship golf, remains a compellingly idiosyncratic links that demands imagination and a keen appreciation for the game's historical roots. Found along the bracing Ayrshire coast, the course is a rumpled landscape of dunes, pot bunkers, and famously eccentric features. The blind par-3 fifth, "The Himalayas," exemplifies the exhilarating challenge, while the Cardinal bunker guards the 17th – each a reminder of the unpredictable nature of links golf. Its terrain favors creative shot-making over brute power.
Originally laid out by Old Tom Morris, Prestwick has evolved over time while retaining its old-world character. While not in the conversation of most modern championship courses, it’s layout rewards a player who embraces the ground game and possesses the wisdom to plot their way around. The membership remains proudly traditional, embracing the club’s heritage with a dedication to the spirit of the game.
Prestwick hosted the Open Championship 24 times, more than any other course. However, the last time was in 1925, as the course gradually became unsuitable for large crowds and increasing distance due to technological advances in golf equipment. Yet, it remains a pilgrimage site for golfers seeking an authentic links experience.
Reviews
Course was truly a great time. Extremely quirky and unique. Much different than some of the courses you will play on a trip to Scotland. Host to the first Open championship has you feeling like you are truly taken back in time. Course is fairly open on a few holes if you play it in the shoulder season. Just don’t catch it in peak summer with the rough up. Greens are extremely challenging to hit and the round is great fun.
A true Scottish links. Amazing history and friendly club. Influential holes that enchant you instantly. The course does a great job of putting its most rumpled and most vexing contour right in front of greens creating difficult and interesting approach shots. Has to be the number one course in an area packed with golf.
Home of the Open is always going to be special. Some great holes on the course, with the newer holes providing strong support to the older holes. Some great shots to be made. Caddies are great and condition fantastic
About as good as it gets
Home of the Open, remember a few holes, #1 Tee dont go right, and the blind par 3 hit to 8 ft and missed the putt. Was a fun track.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Prestwick at Prestwick Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 8.7 out of 10 based on 45 explicit golfer ratings.
Prestwick was designed by Old Tom Morris.
Yes. Prestwick at Prestwick Golf Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Prestwick is 71.
Prestwick plays 6,908 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Prestwick is 141.