PRESTWICK GOLF CLUB
The first ever Open Championship was held at Prestwick in 1860, which was organised by the members who subscribed £25 to purchase a red morocco belt with silver clasps. It was won by Willie Park of Musselburgh with a score of 174 over 36 holes and there was no prize money.
Prestwick hosted the first 11 Championships and then jointly hosted it with The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St.Andrews and with The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. Prestwick hosted its last Championship in 1925.
It is very fitting that this year, as the Open celebrates 150 years, that we make the visit to where it all began.
Prestwick Golf Club, like so many other famous golf courses in Scotland, is situated in the city. You will be reminded of this on the first hole (a 346 yard par 4 named RAILROAD) when you see the entire right out-of-bounds is a railroad line with trains rattling by on a regular schedule. (In fact the story goes that once a year or so a golfer hits a ball that lands on a passing freight train and carries 100 miles or so.)
