Old Prestwick Golf Club
The Birthplace of The Open
Where Major Championship History Began
A mere 10-minute drive south along the coastline from Blackrock House brings you to Prestwick, a sacred piece of turf that holds an unmatched position in the history of the sport. Founded in 1851 by a group of passionate golfers led by the legendary Old Tom Morris, this timeless links is famously the birthplace of The Open Championship. It was right here on these fairways in 1860 that the very first battle for the iconic Claret Jug took place. Having hosted the tournament an incredible 24 times, a round at Prestwick is a journey back to the foundational roots of modern golf.
Eccentric Design and Blind Shots
Unlike modern layouts, Prestwick remains a testament to traditional, untouched 19th-century architecture, offering a brilliantly eccentric and challenging test of golf. The course is renowned for its dramatic sand dunes, deep sleeper-faced bunkers, and heavily undulating fairways that demand creative shot-making. Golfers must navigate famous historical hazards, including the daunting "Cardinal" bunker on the 3rd hole and the nerve-wracking, totally blind approach shot on the iconic "Alps" 17th hole, ensuring an unforgettable round filled with drama and strategy.
An Unrivaled Club Heritage Experience
- The Cardinal Bunker: Spanning massive sections of the fairway, this legendary sleeper-faced hazard is widely considered one of the most famous and imposing bunkers in all of golf.
- Historic Smoking Room: Stepping into the historic clubhouse feels like entering a living museum; the famous Smoking Room houses a priceless collection of original memorabilia, early scorecards, and the historic championship belts.
- Seamless Access: Positioned conveniently right next to the railway line, traveling down from your base at Blackrock House to Prestwick is exceptionally fast, allowing your group to maximize your time on the fairways.