The last professional tournament staged at
Prestwick was the Penfold-Swallow in 1958, won
by Harry Weetman in a play-off against Harry
Bradshaw. Christy O’Connor won the Dunlop
Masters two years earlier with a score of 277.
For those who have yet to experience links
golf, you can expect a thrilling challenge like no
other. Prevailing winds, hazardous rough, exciting
undulations, clever bunkering, and clubhouses full of
history. In the words of Mark O’Meara; “I think what
is most memorable about Prestwick is the course
has remained the same and still withstood the test
of time”.
The famous clubhouse, so rich in character 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 – for lovers of the game, this is
where golf’s myths and legends come to life.
Although formerly opening in 1851, golf had been
played over the links at Prestwick for many years
before. Old Tom Morris was the club’s “Keeper
of the Green, Ball and Club Maker” designed and
built the original 12-hole course, which measured
3,799 yards, 578 of which were on the first hole. In
common with other courses, many of Prestwick’s
original holes crossed over the same undulating
terrain; no more than two dozen golf clubs existed
anywhere in the world at that time. Six of the
original greens are still used by the present 18-hole
course, which also includes three of the original
holes: 2nd (Alps), 4th (Cardinal) and 5th (Sea Headrig).
Prestwick is famed as much for its history and
championship course as it is for the warm welcome
it extends to visiting golfers. Every effort is made to
make visitors feel part of the club to such an extent
Volume 3 • Issue 39
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