Prestwick is a classic links course, built on the rolling sandy land between the beach and the hinterland.

In common with other courses, many of Prestwick's original holes crossed over the same undulating terrain; no more than two dozen golf clubs existed anywhere in the world at that time.

The winner was presented with a red Morocco Belt with silver clasps purchased by the members at a cost of £25.

By winning the Belt three straight times, Young Tom was entitled under the conditions of the competition to keep it, so there was no prize to play for in 1871, and hence no Open.

Bernard Darwin, the era's leading golf writer, reported from the scene that he doubted the Open should be held ever again at Prestwick, and such has proved the case.

The Irish Sea / Firth of Clyde forms the western boundary of the course, flanked by sand dunes.

The Royal Troon Golf Club sits immediately to the north of Prestwick's course and nearby Turnberry is down the coast, to the southwest.