Profiles of Courses in Great Britain: Prestwick, Royal Troon and Turnberry by Robert F. Kreoger (Reprinted from: "Complete Guide to the Golf Courses of Scotland".

Memorabilia from famous golf courses, especially if you have had the privilege of playing them, make great displays in offices and game rooms. One of my prized possessions is a wood encased wall clock, C-1935, with “Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Tel. 5489, 5400” on the large face. Golf clubs, balls, hats, prints, British Open Programs, course histories and other items are just some of the sought after collectibles.

All three courses have hosted the British Open. They are all located near Glasgow, near or overlooking the Firth of Clyde.

Prestwick, 2 Links Rd, Ayrshire, Scotland KA9 1QG. This seaside links course maintains many of its original features dating back to the mid 19th century. The golf club, although not the oldest on the western side of Scotland, is the most historic because it originated the British Open in 1860. Originally 12 holes, The course was played over three times for the early Open tournaments. Although Prestwick, because of size limitations, has not hosted an Open since 1925, It did host the British Amateur in 1987.

A stone monument marks the original first tee where Young Tom Morris, in winning the British Open three times in succession, once made a double eagle three on the 578 yard par 6 hole, using hickory shafted long nose woods, blacksmith forged irons and a hand-hammered gutta ball. Rich in history and tradition, Prestwick is another club whose green fees have escalated over the past few years. For those who are traditionalists, however, the cost is well worth it. Take a caddy. This is one of the best links courses in the British Isles.

Royal Troon, Craigend Rd, Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland KA10 6EP. The green fees are high, but includes a round on the Old Course and Portland. Troon is very restricted and private. If you have no luck, several local hotels or golf tour operators have packages including a round here. The Old Course is now a favorite site for the British Open. The 1989 Open here featured a three-way playoff won by Mark Calcavecchia. These seaside links courses play tough in the windy and wet conditions and offer a fine view of the Firth of Clyde and Arran. Troon’s “Postage Stamp” hole, the 126 yard eighth, has one of the smallest greens in Open play and is protected by 5 pot bunkers and two mounds.

Turnberry, Turnberry Hotel, Ayrshire, Scotland, KA26 9LT. The green fees are high, but includes rounds on both the championship course, Ailsa, and Arran. The course is owned by the Turnberry Hotel Company. Hotel guests receive priority in starting times.

Ailsa is a seaside links and one of the best Scottish courses in terms of difficulty, scenic views and history. Host to the British Open on a regular basis, it was the scene of the dramatic 1977 shootout between Watson and Nicklaus, which will be remembered by the Scots forever. You begin your day on the Arran course, which, although the lesser of the two courses, requires good golfing to avoid big scores. After playing Arran, and having lunch in the clubhouse, you begin your attack on Ailsa, the championship course. Besides featuring all the typical Scottish course hazzards, the course offers constant distractions, with beautiful views of the Firth of Clyde, Arran, and the rocky Ailsa Craig.