For the first time in its 163-year history, Prestwick Golf Club has commissioned a professional photographer to capture the spirit of the historic links.
The renowned club took the unprecedented step during the 143rd Open Championship in the summer, when award-winning photographer Mark Alexander completed a detailed shoot of the course and club.
“This is the first time we have specifically commissioned photography for the club,” explained Ken Goodwin, secretary of Prestwick Golf Club, the birthplace of the Open Championship. “Over the years, many photographers have visited the club, but this is the first time we have proactively brought in a photographer. Websites are the first port of call for people wanting to visit golf clubs, so as the technology has evolved so has our need for better imagery to promote our club.”
The comprehensive shoot, which incorporated course photography, internal imagery, action shots and pictures of official replicas of the famous Claret Jug and Championship Belt, took place over two six-hour sessions spanning two days.
“It was a great privilege and wonderful experience to photograph Prestwick,” said Alexander. “The place is bathed in history and yet the course is still relevant, quirky and exciting. That’s what I wanted to capture in the images - the unique nature of this very special place.”
He continued: “To be the first commissioned photographer to shoot the course and clubhouse was particularly important considering the history and everything that has taken place here. It is one of golf’s greatest treasures, and creating imagery for it has been inspiring.”
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