Returning to play Prestwick after very many years it was pleasing to see that nothing much had changed. The unforgettable opening-hole ranks with Machrihanish as one of the world’s best starting holes. It’s close proximity to the train station, railway lane and stone wall makes it memorable and a challenge to those (right-handers) who slice the ball. And for those who aim left to avoid the danger they are faced with a very restricted view of the green.
“Take for instance the cavernous ‘Cardinal’ bunker on the par-5 third hole. Not what the latter day Americans would call a pot bunker. Instead a bloody great bunker carving up the entire width of the fairway – well almost and from the tee it certainly appears so.
If, as they say there are seven steps to Heaven, then there are eight steps to take you into the Hell of the ‘Cardinal’ bunker.”
Elsewhere I’ve mentioned that Kiwi-golfers hate hidden holes like Prestwick’s 230- yard ‘Himalayas’ with thoughts of, “This isn’t fair I can’t see where I’m going!” And yet it’s one of golf’s greatest pleasures to round the base of a hill and see your ball safely on the green.
Nearly home after tackling the ‘Himalayas’ but not before facing the ‘Alps’.
Suffice to say it’s still not over if you carry the thirty-foot Alpine dune. There’s the seven-foot deep ‘Sahara’ bunker and the shallowest green on a course with smaller than average greens.