Prestwick - Birthplace to the Open

Many golfers around the world treat St Andrews as The Home of Golf, and I would have no argument with that. But what many people fail to remember is that Prestwick played host to the first twelve 'Open Championships'. The first red Moroccan belt was won by Willie Park of Musselburgh with a score of 174 over two rounds. After a decade or so, Prestwick, The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers and The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews pitched together £30 to purchase the Claret Jug. This was first played for in 1872 and was won by Young Tom Morris.

In today's modern game Prestwick is widely regarded as too short to host a major championship, but it continues to provide a stern test for many amateur events, including the British Amateur - which was last won here in 2001 by Shandon Park member Michael Hoey.

It riles me slightly that Prestwick is not included on the countless touring itineraries that are set up by visiting golfers each year. Not only is it a tremendous golf course to play, but the feelings induced from the history surrounding it can only be second to The Old Course at St Andrews. But perhaps what really upsets me most is the unfair stigma associated with Prestwick as not not being visitor friendly. Ian Bunch, Secretary of Prestwick, has sat on the board of a number of tourism orientated projects to try and encourage visitors to the Ayrshire coastline. Indeed, the club is very welcoming to visiting golfers, and I would be the first in recommending you play here.

It's exactly as links golf should be - rough and ragged with the exception of excellently kept tees and greens. It's not as long as many of the championship courses in Scotland, but this simply makes the layout more inviting to the amateur. One thing Prestwick does require is a strong mental game. Not only on the tees, but more significantly on the approach shots. Holes that appear tame only begin to show their teeth on the second shot. Like Elie in yesterday's post, this is a tremendous matchplay course. There are many birdies to be had, but blink for a second and you can see yourself running up a string of fives.

The hospitality at Prestwick is just as enjoyable as the course itself, and I believe an important part of any golf day. Like any esteemed golf club with a revered reputation, treat the club with the respect it deserves and you will have a memorable day. But be sure to indulge in a Kummel, one of the local delicacies. Just remember not to drive afterwards...