A cookbook launched by the chef at Prestwick Golf Club is to raise cash for a good cause.
The publication marks four decades of David Bennett's work at the birthplace of The Open.
Sales from his '40 Courses for 40 Years' will go to The Ayrshire Hospice and Beatson Cancer Charity, two organisations that provided support when David’s late wife Anne was ill with cancer.
The book features recipes that have made the golf club famous for its hospitality as well as for its world-renowned and historic golf course.
Among the dishes featured are Surf and Moor, Lobster Thermidor and Pimms Cheesecake, all favourites with members, guests and visitors.
There are also chapters outlining the history of dining since Prestwick Golf Club was formed in 1851.
During his years as Chef at Prestwick Golf Club, David has cooked for many distinguished guests, including Sir Jackie Stewart and Sir Sean Connery, who both played there.
Prince Albert of Monaco came for lunch in 2014 and ordered pea and ham soup and roast lamb, then enjoyed a Kummel (a digestif) after his lunch.
“The only time I was starstruck was when chef Peter Langan – owner of Langan’s Brasserie in London – visited. He asked to talk to the chef and my face went white because meeting a peer is far more nerve wracking than celebrities,” says David.
He added: “I’ve loved every minute of my 40 years as chef at Prestwick Golf Club.
"I’m so pleased that I’ve been able to produce this book with some much-loved recipes and raise money for Beatson Cancer Charity and The Ayrshire Hospice, two amazing charities that were such a huge comfort to my late wife Anne, and to myself and my daughter Rachael.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has helped make this book a reality, including several members who helped research, write, take photos and edit it to such a high professional standard.
"I’d also like to thank The Morrison Foundation and all the local businesses and Prestwick Golf Club for their incredibly generous support for this project."
Carla MacEwan, CEO of The Ayrshire Hospice, added: “We are hugely grateful to David and Prestwick Golf Club for putting this cookbook together, what a wonderful idea.
"We are thrilled to be chosen as one of the benefiting charities"
Martin Cawley, CEO of the Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this really exciting and imaginative initiative.
"For David to be chef at such a prestigious golf club for 40 years is outstanding service."
Funding to produce the cookbook came from several local businesses and individuals, including The Morrison Foundation, Shepherd Chartered Surveyors, Corney & Barrow, Lomond Property, Grants of Prestwick, Iain Forrest Photography and Prestwick Golf Club.
This is a limited edition of only 1000 copies which are already selling fast to members of the club from around the world.
The book, priced at £25, is available to buy through Prestwick Golf Club PGA professional David Fleming, either online at www.prestwickgcproshop.com or at the club shop.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
