prestwick

Prestwick Golf Club stands as a monument to the early days of the game. It was the birthplace of the Open Championship, and by definition of "Professional Tournament Golf". It pioneered many other great events and remains to this day one of the most revered clubs in the world of golf.

Prestwick Golf Club (NOT ‘Old Prestwick’) was founded in 1851 by the members who met at the "Red Lion Inn" in Prestwick. The Earl of Eglinton was the first captain and he presented the gold Eglinton Medal for annual competition, the winner being allowed 10/- with which to buy himself a commemorative medal. The "Old Clubhouse" was auctioned for £170 and a new clubhouse was built in 1868 for £758. In January 1877, additions cost £700 and the well (too close to the drains) was moved in 1878. New lockers (still in use) cost £350 for 90 in 1882 and in 1886 the clubhouse was open on Sundays - but no golf on Sundays until 1932.

The first Open Championship was held at Prestwick in 1860 and was organised by the members who subscribed £25 to purchase the red morocco leather belt with silver clasps. This - "The Belt" - is now in keeping of the R & A at St Andrews. A replica "Belt" was presented to the winner of The Open at Royal St George’s in 1985 and a further replica is on display in the Clubhouse. The Belt was won by Young Tom Morris in 1868, 1869 and in 1870 and became his property. There was no Open Championship in 1871 and thereafter, Prestwick, the R & A and the Honourable Company joined forces to purchase the present Open Championship Trophy. "The Open" was played 24 times at Prestwick - the last in 1925 - thereafter the crowds were too large.

The Amateur Championship has been held here on ten occasions 1888 to 1987, being won by Paul Mayo. The most remarkable final between W Lawson Little Junior of Presidio, USA and J Wallace of Troon Portland in 1934. Little went round in 66 in the morning and started in the afternoon: ...3, 3, 4, 3, 3, to win at the 5th hole by 14 and 13.The original course was 12 holes and the first tee, from which the first Open was played, is marked by a stone cairn to the West of the Clubhouse.

The 1st hole was 578 yards to what is now the 16th green. Young Tom Morris holed in three strokes in 1870 (with hickory shafts and a gutty ball). Seven of the original greens are still in the same place. The Cardinal Bunker is named after "The Cardinal’s Nob (or nose)". A monk of Crossraguel Abbey (now a ruin - near Turnberry Hotel) played a match to settle a deadly feud against a Lord of Culzean - the wager, his nose. Willie Campbell’s Grave is a bunker on the 16th hole where Willie, leading the Open of 1887, took four shots ... he lost.

The Elysian fields comprise the fairways to the East of the Pow Burn and to the North of the Dow burn. The Zareba is the hollow near the Cardinal under the shoulder of the 16th green. The Hartz mountains constitute the rolling 13th fairway where the then Secretary, Harry Hart, who was very short, was from time to time invisible.

Although the 12 Hole Course was extended to 18 Holes in 1883, much of the original course at Prestwick is still recognisable today almost 120 years later. Most clubs of this era followed St Andrew’s lead in establishing a round as 18 holes. However in Preswick’s case this move did not go smoothly. Complaints were voiced that the new holes ‘were not golf and never would be. Little did they know that the new layout would stand the test of time, Prestwick shall always be famous as the birthplace of "The Open Championship". The first ever professional golf match was played at Prestwick in 1903 between the "Auld Enemies" with Scotland victorious over England by nine matches to eight.

In 1851 Colonel Fairlie of Coodham brought Old Tom Morris from St Andrews to Prestwick as Keeper of the Green. He returned there in 1864 having won the Open in 1861, 1862 and 1864. Charlie Hunter took his place, but left for Blackheath in 1865. His place was taken by Andrew Strath who was keeper of the links, also winning the Open in 1865. Andrew died in 1868 and Charlie Hunter returned from Blackheath to become Custodian of the Links. He competed in, or was starter at, every Open at Prestwick until his death in 1921 with 53 years service. His oil painting, presented by the club, hangs in the dining room. James Macdowall then became professional and resigned in February 1927 when Frank McInnes was appointed. He became an Honorary Member in 1957 and died 1962. Frank Rennie took the post and is now Professional and an Honorary Life Member.

HRH Edward, Prince of Wales, Earl of Carrick was Captain of Prestwick Golf Club in 1934, having been Captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St Andrews in 1922.