The wikipedia paste tells us what?
Was St Andrews the first golf course? You'll find many sources that say differently.
A lot of the historic stuff relating to the history of St Andrews and the origins of golf seems difficult to substantiate.
My point is that I always assumed it to be because of the Open history not the tenuous stuff going back yonks to guy's whacking stones in rabbit holes or something along those lines.
Firstly, its Prestwick, not Royal Prestwick. Secondly in my opinion Prestwick is not good enough to host the Open Championship anymore. (Tinhat on!) I believe that Western Gailes is not only a better course, its better laid out and a tougher track than Prestwick.
I dont think Prestwick ever has a chance of hosting the Open ever again.
I am also a strong believer that alot of the Irish courses need to be examined at great length again about becomming possible future venues!