Prestwick Golf Club is the birthplace of The Open Championship — host of the first Open in 1860 and 24 Opens in total. A gloriously old-fashioned links with blind drives, deep pot bunkers, and the railway line running tight along several holes. We provide private golf transfers to Prestwick from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness and Scottish airports.
About the course
Prestwick is links golf from another era. The Cardinal bunker on the 3rd — a vast, deep chasm that has been swallowing golf balls since the 1850s — is one of the most famous hazards in golf. Railway sleeper-faced bunkers line several holes, blind drives are common, and the routing follows the natural roll of the duneland without any modern compromise. It is thrilling, infuriating, and utterly unforgettable.
At around 6,500 yards the course is manageable in length, but the tightness of the fairways, the depth of the bunkers, and the firmness of the greens mean that Prestwick never plays easy. The clubhouse — original Victorian with modern comforts — sits beside the 18th green, and the atmosphere is one of genuine warmth. Visitors are welcomed, and the staff understand that for many golfers, playing Prestwick is a lifelong ambition.
The drive from Glasgow
Glasgow to Prestwick takes around an hour via the M77 through Ayrshire. Edinburgh is approximately 90 minutes via the M8 and M77. Prestwick also has its own small airport — Glasgow Prestwick — which is five minutes from the course and served by budget carriers. Your driver will collect you from any starting point and deliver you to the club in comfort.
Ayrshire championship itineraries
- Prestwick + Royal Troon — Open Championship history, 10 minutes between courses
- Prestwick + Turnberry — Birthplace of The Open then Ailsa Course, 30 minutes apart
- Ayrshire Grand Tour (4 days) — Prestwick, Troon, Western Gailes, Dundonald and Turnberry
Travel times to Prestwick
Nearby Ayrshire golf courses
Royal Troon Golf Club
10 minutes north
Western Gailes Golf Club
15 minutes north
Dundonald Links
20 minutes north
Turnberry (Ailsa Course)
30 minutes south
Request a Prestwick golf transfer
Share your tee time, starting location, and group size.
Frequently asked questions
What is Prestwick Golf Club's connection to The Open?
Prestwick hosted the first ever Open Championship in 1860 and continued to host the event 24 times through to 1925. The Cardinal bunker on the 3rd hole, the railway sleeper-faced bunkers, and the blind drives are all part of Open Championship history. Walking Prestwick is like walking through a museum of golf — but one you can still play.
Is Prestwick old-fashioned?
Gloriously so. The course has blind drives, deep pot bunkers, undulating fairways that follow the natural dune formations, and the railway line running tight along several holes. It is links golf from another era and a stark contrast to modern championship courses. That is precisely its appeal.
Can you combine Prestwick with Troon or Turnberry?
Yes. Royal Troon is 10 minutes north and Turnberry is 30 minutes south. Prestwick sits perfectly in the middle of an Ayrshire links tour. We coordinate timing between courses so you can play two in a day without rushing.