Birthplace of The Open, Prestwick Golf Club welcomes golfers from all around the world to come and enjoy this testing historic links course.  The 18-hole golf course was stretched by Old Tom Morris to meet golfing standards, but the traditional essence of the old course remains with many of the original greens still in play.  Natural obstacles such as The River Pow which flows freely can test your patience but there is no doubt Prestwick should be included in your golf tour.

PRESTWICK CLUBHOUSE
Rich in character, the famous clubhouse is as much part of the Prestwick experience as the celebrated course over which the Open Championship was first played. Here prized golfing memorabilia adorn aged wood-panelled walls with infectious laughter wafting through the corridors. This is a place where history brushes shoulders with unreserved fun.

Prestwick’s clubhouse is delightful not only for the glimpse it offers into golf’s past, but also for the warm welcome given to visitors who are granted club membership for the day. Guided tours are actively encouraged to take in the highlights of the early days of the Open Championship as well as the club’s rich history and its links with the Morris family. For lovers of the game, this is where golf’s myths and legends come to life.

The charismatic Smoke Room and charming Dining Room provide stately settings in which to meet before or after your round. Here a formal dress code of jacket, collar and tie for gentlemen and a change from golfing attire for ladies is observed. Upstairs the Cardinal Lounge and Restaurant offer informal but equally delectable alternatives.

The Prestwick clubhouse is a unique place in the world of golf and a must-see for any golf fan.

PRESTWICK HISTORY
The history of Prestwick Golf Club stretches back over 160 years to a time when golf was in its infancy. In 1851, a group of 57 enthusiastic members, who met regularly at the Red Lion Inn, made the momentous decision to form a golf club purchasing two cottages opposite the tavern.

The first cottage would become the members’ clubhouse whilst the other was gifted to the club’s Keeper of the Green, ball and clubmaker - Old Tom Morris. Together with a gold medal presented by the club’s first captain (the Earl of Eglinton) for an annual competition still played for today, the legend of Prestwick was born.

Old Tom had uprooted his wife Agnes and young son Tommy from St Andrews to layout the 12-hole course over the links. His unique design proved popular, and the club enjoyed a meteoric rise hosting the first Open Championship within 10 years of its formation. The last and 24th Open Championship at Prestwick was held 65 years later in 1925.

In 1864, Old Tom returned to St Andrews. His house was auctioned with the proceeds used to part-fund the construction of a new clubhouse on the present site in 1868. It cost £758.

The clubhouse was extended in 1877 and 90 lockers, which are still in use today, were added in 1882. A major re-development was completed in 1999 consolidating the clubhouse’s prominent position overlooking the first tee and 18th green.

With its unrivalled history, charismatic course and warm welcome, there are few places like it in the world of golf.