For a golf pro, it’s fair to say that no two days are the same.
One day you’re training a client in the practice area, next?Playing with the former US President.
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OK, maybe that’s not the case for every golf pro, but it is when you’re the main man at one of Scotland’s – or even, the world’s – most historic courses.
David Fleming is the head professional at Prestwick Golf Club, the venue that gave birth to The Open Championship.
It is true that the first edition of this famous tournament was hosted not by St Andrews, but by Prestwick.
The Ayrshire Club held the first Open in 1860, and was the only club to have held the first Open in 1860. Home of Competition This lasted for ten years before the Old Course at St Andrews and Musselburgh (later Muirfield) came into rotation with the Old Course.
Prestwick remained open It did not hold Rota status until 1925, when it was stripped of its status due to overcrowding problems, and 99 years later it has not hosted another Rota.
Carnoustie – With Your Own Future In doubt – replaced Prestwick like those nearby Royal Troon and Turnberry was included, and Prestwick History Established books as a major venue.
But its unique challenge is presented by a layout that even Fleming admits “wouldn’t be designed like this nowadays”, and the seaside views ensure it remains a venue full of charm and a must-see for local and travelling golfers.
Five-time Open winner tom watson Recently raced on the Fairways at Prestwick, just a few weeks after fellow American Xander Schauffele won the Claret Jug a few miles further on at Troon.
He may be Fleming’s playing hero, but former president Bill Clinton is the most high-profile person he has played alongside as a supporter of the club.
Sandy Lyle, one of Scotland’s greatest ever golfers, is another who has enjoyed playing with Fleming. Fleming is now in his 20th year as Prestwick’s head professional.
Fleming said it was an honour for him to play alongside Watson but he had never been so nervous about playing on his home ground before.
“It’s interesting to see him up close and it’s a privilege,” he said.
“He’s been one of my heroes for a long time. I have to admit I was more nervous playing him than any other golfer I’ve played against because of his profile and stature. He’s a great player.
“His game is still very good. I think he was three over for the round, which was very good. His short game, putting and bunker play were excellent.
“Obviously, he doesn’t hit it as far these days. He gets maybe 200 yards in the air, but he’s still very impressive and in total control.”
Surprisingly Watson, a five-time champion golfer of the year, initially hated the links style of golf.
Watson previously admitted it was only after his third Open win that he felt a true appreciation, love and acceptance of links golf.
Prestwick was where he found enlightenment – with the help of a good old-fashioned Scottish liquid lunch.
Fleming said: “Tom talked a lot about his visit here in 1981.”
“He was with his friend Sandy Tatum (former USGA president).”
“He had a proper Prestwick lunch and probably ate a bit too much drinkAnd he played brilliantly.
“That was a special time for him.”
Fleming also revealed that Watson had taken a particular interest in Prestwick’s peculiar layout and course and the impact of the early Open Championships, and looked to use this knowledge in his course design business.
Watson currently owns golf venues in the US, UK and Japan, and has also helped renovate the main course at Ballybunion in Ireland.
Fleming said: “He’s doing a bit more course design these days and he’s wearing that hat. A lot of designers have been here and walked it and learned from it.
“Prestwick is very unique. Nowadays they can’t design a course like Prestwick, but there are still areas, such as the green complex, that could be replicated in a modern design.
“He is very interested in the opening Work The story of the clubs struck by Old Tom Morris and Young Tom during their Open victory here.
“There is a great interest in his early Open, in the work of Old Tom Morris and in the clubs that Young Tom hit during his Open win here.
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“Prestwick is a special place and I LoveIt’s great when people come here, especially for the first time, and they’re excited to follow in the footsteps of those early Open champions.
“The history and charm of this place keeps people coming back again and again.”
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