Golf Towns - Prestwick
BY ED HODGE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRAEME McCUBBIN
6 MINS READ
I’ve always had a soft spot for Prestwick, like many others. Those closest to me will be sick of the story – here we go again, Ed – but the town’s history doesn’t just lie in golf.
A writer by the name of Ian Nelson was the only journalist to be pictured interviewing Elvis Presley on UK soil when he landed at Prestwick Airport in March 1960. The King of ‘rock n roll’ was finishing his American army national service in Germany and stopped over in Ayrshire for a precious two hours, leaving the town ‘all shook up’. Ian was my grandfather. Let’s just say the story was repeated now and again before his 66-year journalism career ended at the age of 89.
Grandpa loved Prestwick. A hot bed for stories, often via the international airport, but also for golf. His passion for both was clearly passed down the family line. Years later when I experienced golf in Prestwick for the first time, I could resonate with his love for the links and the area. There is a charm to the town, much like other Scottish locales where golf is at its heart. Again, you can feel the history, sense the storylines of the past. Over a quiet pint in the local pubs, golf is never far away from conversation. Doing so in the Golf Inn seems appropriate.
Of course, when you consider Prestwick was the birthplace of The Open in 1860 – indeed held the first 12 years of the Championship – it’s a venue that simply has to be experienced. Old Tom Morris, Young Tom Morris and Willie Park Snr were just three of the famous names to triumph in those early days of the sport at Prestwick. To this day, they are fondly recalled.
Alps - 17th hole at Prestwick
It is a unique, par-71 links and moving toward the 1st tee, with the railway line hugging the right-hand side, gives you an early indication to savour the setting – but also concentrate! It’s a course with deep bunkers, blind shots and undulating greens. The historic clubhouse with its signature clock welcomes you back home. Above all, it’s always a fun day on the golf course at Prestwick, regardless of birdies or bogeys. Leaving with a smile is guaranteed.
Tom Watson fell in love with links golf with the help of Prestwick. Ernie Els and Mark O’Meara are others to extol its virtues. “I think what is most memorable about Prestwick is the course has remained the same and still withstood the test of time,” said O’Meara, the two-time Major champion. The views can be a distraction, though. The spires of the town of Ayr, or out to sea and Ailsa Craig and the island of Arran, always catch the eye.
Down the road lies Prestwick St Nicholas, the 26th oldest golf club in the world. More of a gentle test compared to Prestwick – at almost 1,000 yards shorter – Old Tom was a founding/honorary member of the club. It is a traditional Scottish links with a prime position on the shores of the Firth of Clyde. The challenging bunkers, running fairways, demanding greens focus the mind.
Salt Pans at Prestwick St Nicholas
Back in June, recognising Old Tom’s 200th birthday, the club celebrated in style. They tweeted: “A very successful Tom Morris Memorial Day at the club with many members playing in period dress. Hickory clubs used for all tee shots at the 10th hole.”
The town even has a third course for visiting golfers, St Cuthbert. A parkland layout, with picturesque fairways and excellent greens, it offers something a little different.
Prestwick, situated on the west coast 34 miles south of Glasgow, is easily reached for a day trip, but is often worth a stay over at plentiful accommodation options, and to sample its variety of pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés to eat and drink in. Vics & Vine is a favourite for many with its lively music scene. Elvis, of course, would more than approve.