They may not be as well-known as their legendary near neighbours – Prestwick, Royal Troon and Turnberry. But if you are coming to South Ayrshire and you are a golfer who relishes a challenge on the course and a welcome in the clubhouse then Prestwick St Nicholas is the perfect venue.

Prestwick St Nicholas is the world’s 26th oldest club. It was founded in 1851, the same year as Prestwick – home of the Open Championship – and for 26 years the two clubs shared the same 12-hole links. One of the people instrumental in the formation of Prestwick St Nicholas was Old Tom Morris, who won three of his four Open Championships as a member of the club.

The club moved to its present location, just a few miles down the coast, in 1892. This is a true links course, which – while not as long as Royal Troon – offers a similar challenge. The narrow, gorse-lined fairways and well-protected greens will appeal to golfers who like to think their way round the course … especially when the wind is blowing!