The small town of Prestwick in Ayrshire holds a unique and prestigious place in golf history as the birthplace of the Open Championship. In 1860, Prestwick Golf Club hosted the first-ever Open, a modest affair with just eight competitors. The legendary Willie Park Sr. from Musselburgh emerged victorious, finishing two strokes ahead of Old Tom Morris, a name synonymous with the early development of golf. This historic event laid the foundation for the sport’s oldest and most celebrated major championship.
Despite its modest population of fewer than 15,000 people, Prestwick is home to three golf courses: Prestwick Golf Club, Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club, and St Cuthbert Golf Club. While Prestwick Golf Club is world-renowned, Prestwick St. Nicholas is a hidden gem—a true links experience that offers a blend of history, challenge, and stunning coastal views. As the 26th oldest golf club in the world, its roots stretch back to 1851, originally known as the Prestwick Mechanics Club. Among its founding members was none other than Old Tom Morris himself. The club officially adopted its current name in 1858, and two members participated in the inaugural Open Championship. In 1892, the club secured its own links land, making it the only Ayrshire course with a view of the Firth of Clyde from every hole.
The Course: A True Scottish Links Experience
Prestwick St. Nicholas is a traditional links course in every sense—rolling fairways, firm turf, undulating greens, and ever-present coastal winds. Though it is not particularly long, stretching to just over 6,000 yards from the back tees (par 69), the strategic challenges and quirks of classic Scottish links golf make it a test for all players.
The Opening Stretch: A Strong Start
The first hole, a short par 4 at 338 yards, sets the tone for the round. The drive must be placed well to get a clear view of the green, making club selection crucial. The second hole, a picturesque par 3 of 172 yards, plays from an elevated tee to a green with a significant tier running through it. Judging the wind is essential to avoid a tough two-putt or an up-and-down from below the green.
The 3rd hole
The third hole, a drivable par 4, offers a tempting birdie opportunity, particularly for longer hitters. However, the green’s elevation means that the best approach is often to run the ball up rather than flying it onto the surface.
On the way to the fourth tee, you cross a public road which splits the course in two. Holes 1, 2, 3 and 16, 17 and 18 are on one side with the rest of the course, over the road.
Mid-Round Challenges: Classic Links Quirks
The 6th and 7th holes showcase the traditional blind tee shots that characterize many classic links courses. The 6th hole demands an accurate strike toward the marker post, with the added danger of out-of-bounds lurking on the right. Meanwhile, the 7th, a formidable 454-yard par 4, requires both length and precision to reach the undulating green in two.
Your approach on the 8th
The 8th is unlike any other hole on the course. There is a quarry to your right, where work is underway to add decorative stonework and tidy up the area. As the quarry is out of bounds, the safe play is to take a long iron or hybrid and play left onto the large plateau. Just be careful that you don’t go too far, as you could end up with a difficult lie for your second shot. From the plateau, it’s a short iron into a green that sits below you. Judging your approach is key, as the green is wide but not deep.
The Back Nine
The par 3 10th
The 10th is another lovely par 3. From the elevated tee, the green is a small target to hit from 166 yards, especially if the wind is off the water. The 11th is the only par 5 on the course. At 536 yards, it’s a 3-shot hole for most, especially as the green is 20 yards over a high bank, which will repel most second shots.
The 12th hole
The 12th is a tricky par 3 of 183 yards at the far end of the course. It plays downhill, but again, any wind plays havoc with your club selection. The green is well protected, and you will not see the bottom of the flag if it’s on the right side of the green.
A Run of Fours
Holes 13 to 17 are all par 4’s. The 13th is the longest on the course at 457 yards. It plays slightly shorter as the tee is high up, giving you more hang time and, therefore, more distance off the tee. It’s a strong par 4 and the last difficult one on the way home. The 14th is a straightforward hole. A generous fairway means you can open your shoulders and have a dig. It’s 411 yards and played a drive and a 9 iron for us. The benefits of links fairways, eh?
The 15th is the last hole before you cross the road again. It’s short at 285 yards, but the green sits at an angle and is well-protected by four greenside bunkers and one short and right. It is worth having a bash at the green as even ending up in a greenside bunker, you have a great chance of getting up and down.
The Home Stretch: A Tight Finish
The 16th Hole
The final three holes provide a thrilling finish. The 16th is a tricky par 4 that appears tight from the tee but opens up further down the fairway. Precision off the tee is key to setting up a manageable approach shot. The 17th, another short par 4 at 300 yards, tempts golfers to go for the green but punishes inaccuracy with well-placed bunkers and gorse.
Finally, the 18th is a nerve-wracking long par 3 at 225 yards. With the club’s car park and out-of-bounds lining the right side and a deep gully to the left, the final tee shot demands both commitment and execution. A par here is a fitting way to conclude a memorable round.
Beyond the Course: Exploring Prestwick
Prestwick offers more than just world-class golf. The town’s rich history and coastal charm make it a fantastic destination. Visitors can explore the nearby Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, just a short drive away, where Scotland’s national poet was born. The bustling town of Ayr, with its vibrant shops, restaurants, and scenic beaches, provides additional attractions.
For those looking to experience more golf, Prestwick Golf Club—the site of the first Open Championship—is a must-play for any serious golfer. Additionally, Royal Troon, another Open venue, is only a few miles away and offers yet another outstanding links challenge.
Final Thoughts
Prestwick St. Nicholas encapsulates everything that makes Scottish links golf special—quirky hole designs, undulating fairways, and the ever-changing influence of the coastal elements. It may not be long by modern standards, but it rewards smart course management and creative shot-making. With excellent course conditions and breathtaking views of the Firth of Clyde, a round here is a journey through golfing history.
We highly recommend Prestwick St. Nicholas to anyone looking for an authentic Scottish links experience. Whether you’re seeking a historic golf pilgrimage or simply a fun and rewarding round by the sea, this course delivers on all fronts.
At a Glance:
- Located 33 miles from Glasgow City Centre
- Traditional links course with stunning coastal views
- Friendly, welcoming clubhouse with great service
- Well-stocked professional shop
- Small putting green and short game practice area
- Visit the Prestwick St. Nicholas GC website here
A special thank you to Secretary/Manager Graham MacKenzie for hosting us and for the warm hospitality. Prestwick St. Nicholas is a course that deserves a place on every golfer’s must-play list.
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish clubs.
Now, as European Editor of Golf Operator Magazine and World’s Best Golf Destinations, he shares insights into club operations and his golfing adventures across Europe.
Jim is also an Ambassador for premium clothing brand Fenix Xcell Clothing and also for the Spanish local DMC, Costa Verde Golf.
If your club/resort or brand wants to reach over 400,000 golfers, contact Jim at [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 78522
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