Golf Course Rankings & Reviews: Prestwick, South Ayrshire
Top 7 Public/Semi-Private Courses
Prestwick is steeped in golfing history, and its courses reflect this heritage. While the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews holds the global spotlight, Prestwick boasts a unique character shaped by its coastal location and the legendary players who honed their skills here.
1. Royal Prestwick Golf Club (The Course): Signature Hole: The 18th, a dramatic approach to a challenging green overlooking the Firth of Clyde. This is the course. It’s the oldest in the world and the birthplace of the Open Championship. The layout is deceptively simple, relying on clever bunkering and strategic green complexes. The undulating terrain, sculpted by centuries of wind and weather, adds to the challenge. It’s a course that demands accuracy and thoughtful shot-making. The local culture reveres this course; it’s a pilgrimage for serious golfers. It’s not about brute force; it’s about finesse and understanding the subtle nuances of the game.
Green Fee: £85-£120 (approx. $105-$150 USD / €90-€130 EUR)
Design Notes: Classic links design, minimal tree cover, exposed to the elements.
Local Appeal: Deeply ingrained in Scottish golfing history, a source of immense pride.
2. Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club: Signature Hole: The 4th, a blind shot over a ravine to a well-guarded green. A more intimate and traditional course, Prestwick St Nicholas offers a delightful blend of challenging holes and stunning coastal views. It’s a course that rewards strategic play and accurate iron-play. The layout is less forgiving than The Course, demanding precision and careful planning. It’s a favourite amongst local golfers seeking a classic links experience.
Green Fee: £65-£90 (approx. $75-$110 USD / €65-€90 EUR)
Design Notes: More compact than The Course, with tighter fairways and more strategically placed bunkers.
Local Appeal: A popular choice for local members and visitors seeking a traditional links experience.
3. Prestwick Academy Golf Club: Signature Hole: The 17th, a long par 4 with a tricky approach and a challenging green. A shorter, more manageable course, Prestwick Academy is ideal for golfers of all abilities. It’s a welcoming course with a friendly atmosphere, making it a popular choice for families and casual golfers. While not as historically significant as The Course, it offers a pleasant and enjoyable round.
Green Fee: £45-£60 (approx. $55-$70 USD / €45-€60 EUR)
Design Notes: Shorter than other courses, with wider fairways and less demanding bunkering.
Local Appeal: A popular choice for junior golfers and those new to the game.
4. Prestwick Golf Club (The Old Course): Signature Hole: The 18th, a challenging par 4 with a demanding approach. A hidden gem, The Old Course offers a more secluded and peaceful golfing experience. It’s a challenging course with undulating fairways and tricky greens. It’s a favourite amongst local golfers seeking a quiet and relaxing round.
Green Fee: £70-£95 (approx. $80-$110 USD / €70-€95 EUR)
Design Notes: Undulating terrain, hidden bunkers, and challenging greens.
Local Appeal: A popular choice for local members seeking a quiet and relaxing round.
5. South Prestwick Golf Club: Signature Hole: The 12th, a demanding par 3 over a burn. A well-maintained and challenging course, South Prestwick offers a good test for golfers of all abilities. It’s a popular choice for visitors seeking a good value round.
Green Fee: £55-£75 (approx. $65-$85 USD / €55-€75 EUR)
Design Notes: Well-maintained fairways and greens, with strategically placed bunkers.
Local Appeal: A popular choice for local golfers seeking a good value round.
6. Victoria Course: Signature Hole: The 18th, a challenging par 4 with a demanding approach. A more forgiving course than The Course, Victoria offers a pleasant and enjoyable round. It’s a good option for golfers of all abilities.
Green Fee: £50-£70 (approx. $60-$80 USD / €50-€70 EUR)
Design Notes: Wider fairways and less demanding bunkering.
Local Appeal: A popular choice for visitors seeking a relaxed round.
7. Prestwick Downs Golf Club: Signature Hole: The 9th, a long par 4 with a challenging approach. A friendly and welcoming course, Prestwick Downs is ideal for golfers of all abilities. It’s a good option for families and casual golfers.
Green Fee: £40-£60 (approx. $50-$70 USD / €40-€60 EUR)
Design Notes: Relatively flat terrain, with wider fairways and less demanding bunkering.
Local Appeal: A popular choice for families and casual golfers.
Hidden Gems
- Trump Prestwick Links: While a more modern and controversial addition to the local golfing landscape, Trump Prestwick Links offers stunning coastal views and a challenging layout. It's a premium option but often offers competitive rates, especially during the shoulder seasons.
- Dalry Golf Club: A smaller, more traditional course with a strong local following. It offers a unique and authentic golfing experience away from the main tourist routes.
Premium Options
- Trump Prestwick Links: As mentioned above, this is a premium option with a focus on luxury and stunning views.
- The Marine Hotel Golf Package: While not a course itself, the Marine Hotel offers excellent stay-and-play packages that include access to some of the best courses in the area.
Value Champions
- Prestwick Academy Golf Club: Consistently offers the best value for money.
- South Prestwick Golf Club: A solid choice for a budget-friendly round.
International Golfer Essentials
Difficulty & Standards
- Handicap Ratings: Scottish handicap ratings are based on a slightly different system than USGA or R&A. Generally, a handicap of 18-20 will translate to a similar level of difficulty across the courses. It's always best to check the specific course’s handicap rating before playing.
- Slope Comparisons: Slope ratings are generally comparable, but slight differences may exist. It's advisable to check the latest slope ratings on the course’s website or through a golf booking platform.
Language Considerations
- English Proficiency: English is widely spoken in Prestwick. You shouldn't have any difficulty communicating with course staff or fellow golfers.
- Key Golf Terms: While many golf terms are universally understood, some local variations exist. For example, "the back nine" is simply "the back nine holes." "Fore!" is universally understood.
- Communication Tips: Be polite and respectful. A simple "hello" and "thank you" go a long way.
Cultural Golf Etiquette
- Local Customs: Pace of play is generally quick and efficient. Avoid dawdling on the course. Be mindful of other players and avoid talking during their swings.
- Dress Codes: Smart casual attire is generally acceptable. Golf trousers or shorts are required. Avoid wearing jeans or t-shirts. In colder weather, layers are recommended.
- Tipping Practices: Tipping is not customary in Scotland. However, it is appreciated if you receive exceptional service.
- Pace of Play: Maintaining a good pace of play is highly valued. If you are holding up the group behind you, it is polite to offer them the honour of the tee.
Booking Requirements
- Advance Reservations: Booking tee times in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
- Documentation Needs: Passport or other valid identification is required for all visitors.
- Guest Policies: Most courses allow guests, but it's important to check the specific course’s policy.
Seasonal & Climate Intelligence
Monthly Playing Guide
| Month | Weather Patterns | Rainfall (mm) | Temperature (°C) | Optimal Playing Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cold, wet, often windy. | 80-100 | 0-5 | Difficult |
| February | Cold, wet, often windy. | 70-90 | 0-5 | Difficult |
| March | Improving, but still cold and wet. | 70-80 | 3-8 | Moderate |
| April | Variable, with increasing sunshine. | 50-70 | 8-12 | Good |
| May | Mild and pleasant, with increasing sunshine. | 40-60 | 12-16 | Excellent |
| June | Warm and sunny, with occasional showers. | 30-50 | 16-20 | Excellent |
| July | Warm and sunny, with occasional showers. | 25-40 | 18-22 | Excellent |
| August | Warm and sunny, with occasional showers. | 25-40 | 18-22 | Excellent |
| September | Mild and pleasant, with increasing sunshine. | 40-60 | 12-16 | Good |
| October | Variable, with increasing rain and wind. | 60-80 | 8-12 | Moderate |
| November | Cold, wet, often windy. | 80-100 | 0-5 | Difficult |
| December | Cold, wet, often windy. | 80-100 | 0-5 | Difficult |
Peak Season Strategy
- High-Demand Periods: July and August are the busiest months.
- Pricing Fluctuations: Green fees and accommodation prices are significantly higher during peak season.
- Advance Booking Recommendations: Book tee times and accommodation well in advance (3-6 months).
Off-Season Opportunities
- Shoulder Season Advantages: April, May, September, and October offer pleasant weather, reduced rates, and fewer crowds.
- Reduced Rates: Many courses offer discounted rates during the off-season.
- Fewer Crowds: Enjoy a more relaxed and peaceful golfing experience.
Weather Contingencies
- Indoor Facilities: Several courses have indoor practice facilities.
- Covered Ranges: Many driving ranges are covered.
- Alternative Activities: Explore the local area – visit Stirling Castle, explore the charming towns of Ayrshire, or enjoy a traditional pub meal.
Practical Travel Integration
Access & Transportation
- Airport Proximity: Prestwick Airport (PIK) is conveniently located near the golf courses.
- Rental Car Needs: A rental car is recommended for exploring the area and accessing courses that are not within walking distance of the airport.
- Public Transport: Local buses operate throughout Prestwick and Ayrshire.
- Taxi/Ride-Share Options: Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available.
Accommodation Partnerships
- Stay-and-Play Packages: Many hotels offer stay-and-play packages that include green fees and accommodation.
- Nearby Hotels or Resorts: A wide range of hotels and resorts are available in Prestwick and surrounding areas.
Further Information
- VisitScotland: https://www.visitscotland.com/
- GolfNow: https://www.golfnow.com/