| Back in the day 1860: A group of eight men (players) | | | | The hotel was recently given a major revamp |
| with four referees as they are now commonly | | | | costing millions of pounds and has restored the |
| known took to the sand dunes and surrounding | | | | building into a five star holiday retreat with indoor |
| beach area of Prestwick. They played one round of | | | | facilities including: spas and indoor heated pool for |
| golf with various wooden sticks and well wrapped in | | | | those who wish to relax. Outdoor activities which |
| tweeds trousers, jackets, hats and even the first | | | | include: Clay shooting, rifle shooting, trout fishing, |
| style of golf shoes where introduced that year. They | | | | falconry, pitch and put, walking tours, horse riding, |
| played on as a cold winters wind blow all around | | | | bike riding and a kids club. I am sure everyone will |
| them. So the first open golf championship was born. | | | | find they will like to try for the day. |
| Can you believe it is the 150th anniversary this year | | | | The golf course is set next to the beach with hills |
| of the Open Championship which is being held at St | | | | and sand dunes. That is why this is part of the links |
| Andrews on the 15 - 18 July 2010? Everything | | | | course and makes Turnberry special to all golfers. |
| associated with the Open from car hire to hotel | | | | There are lots more courses along the Prestwick |
| accommodation even the day tickets are generally | | | | coastline. Girvan Golf Club is also a links course and |
| sold out fairly quickly. Do not let this put you off | | | | although does not have the prestige as its neighbour |
| attending. You can soak up the atmosphere and | | | | Turnberry. It still challenges even the best of golfers |
| watch a little piece of history on the big screens or | | | | with its scenery. |
| you can wander around and try and catch a glimpse | | | | Kilmarnock, Barassie links golf course is said to be in |
| of your golfing hero. | | | | the top one hundred courses. This golf club can be |
| If you have time to play a round of golf after | | | | found further down the road from Prestwick and can |
| watching the open you can head back to Prestwick | | | | be found in Troon. The club now has a 27 hole |
| and Ayrshire why not head down to Turnberry Golf | | | | course and challenges all its overseas visitors from |
| Course. The hotel overlooks the Ayrshire coast and | | | | USA, Sweden and Europe. |
| has a beautiful traditional house in the style of | | | | With the number of cheap no frills air lines and |
| Edwardian opulent years. A truly magnificent building | | | | inexpensive car hire from Prestwick Airport. I am |
| even if you are not a Hugh golfing fan you will fall in | | | | sure the golfing fans will flock to the Ayrshire region |
| love with this stately home and the views. | | | | in many years to come. |