Prestwick Golf Club is one of the most recognized names in the world of golf. A private members club founded in 1851 that become birthplace for the Open Championship when first played in 1860. Indeed this year marks the 150th anniversary of the first championship being played and a members dinner is planned with past Open Champions in attendance to mark the occasion. A recent round over this wonderful links venue reinforced my belief that the members and club staff equally provide one of the friendliest visitor experiences you will encounter on a visit to Scotland. The Clubhouse is delightfully traditional and full of character with great memorabilia for those with a keen interest in the history of golf.
Prestwick is a course that needs to be played at least once in your life, it is traditional Scottish links and a monument to the game of golf. For the first time visitor a caddie is certainly recommended as there are a number of blind shots which without local knowledge you will struggle to pick the right line or club. The undulating greens are fast and true matching the curvaceous nature of the rolling fairways and despite a very hard winter in Scotland in excellent condition. Following a wonderful lunch, foursomes golf (alternate shot) was the order of play. A unique game that really tests you and the patience of your partner! On a dry chilly day with a stiff breeze blowing scoring was difficult. The only real highlight for our pairing was at the 8th hole, a long testing par 4 at the far end of the course. A good drive chased over the hill between the fairway bunkers onto the flat leaving a mid iron to the green. The green was found following a good shot that deserved to chase up to the flag, but a soft bounce left a 30+ foot putt uphill, the long putt that followed disappeared into the can for a great birdie three!
For those with Prestwick on their schedule this year enjoy your day and if still in the planning stages be sure to include Prestwick as a must play. For further information this article in Links Magazine is a good read. Click here
