The history of Prestwick Golf Club stretches back over 160 years to a time when golf was in its infancy. In 1851, a group of 57 enthusiastic members, who met regularly at the Red Lion Inn, made the momentous decision to form a golf club purchasing two cottages opposite the tavern. The first cottage would become the members’ clubhouse whilst the other was gifted to the club’s Keeper of the Green, ball and clubmaker – Old Tom Morris. Together with a gold medal presented by the club’s first captain (the Earl of Eglinton) for an annual competition still played for today, the legend of Prestwick was born.

Old Tom had uprooted his wife Agnes and young son Tommy from St Andrews to layout the 12-hole course over the links. His unique design proved popular, and the club enjoyed a meteoric rise hosting the first Open Championship within 10 years of its formation. The last and 24th Open Championship at Prestwick was held 65 years later in 1925.

Rich in character, the famous clubhouse is as much part of the Prestwick experience as the celebrated course. Here prized golfing memorabilia adorn aged wood-panelled walls with infectious laughter wafting through the corridors.

This is a place where history brushes shoulders with unreserved fun. Prestwick’s clubhouse is delightful not only for the glimpse it offers into golf’s past, but also for the warm welcome given to visitors who are granted club membership for the day. For lovers of the game, this is where golf’s myths and legends come to life.