A storm of protest is brewing in the golf world following the addition of a patio style paved area to the iconic Swilcan Bridge at the Old Course in St Andrews.
The small stone bridge spanning just 30 foot across the burn on the 18th fairway is arguably the most famous spot in world golf.
All of the game’s greats from Old Tom Morris to Tiger Woods have made the crossing while many such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus have stopped for a final wave from the iconic bridge as their careers drew to a close.
Now images circulating on social media of a round stone pad added to the entry side of the bridge have set the golf world ablaze.
They appear to have built a garden patio next to the Swilken Bridge! pic.twitter.com/XDljucNB5z
— UK Golf Guy (@ukgolfguy) February 4, 2023
Thousands have voiced their disgust at the addition which was started in December and is now nearing completion.
Many have compared it to that of a garden patio while others have described it as an “abomination” and “a disgrace”.
Golf world aghast at new addition
One disgruntled golf fan described the work as akin to “drawing a moustache on the Mona Lisa”.
Another likened the new Swilcan Bridge stonework to that of a cheap patio.
Breaking: The Millenium Falcon has landed on the famous Swilcan Bridge at St Andrew’s pic.twitter.com/6ijAIM7DcQ
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) February 4, 2023
Many have ridiculed the new addition, posting pictures of the bridge adorned with patio chairs, tables and even a portable barbecue.
Tiger & Dan enjoying the Swilken Bridge patio @Daniel_Rapaport @TigerWoods 🐐 🐐 pic.twitter.com/SWSfyVkBtj
— FAIRWAY FUNNIES ⛳️🤣 (@FairwayFunnies) February 4, 2023
It’s unlikely that the St Andrews Links Trust, which is responsible for the course, could have anticipated such a backlash from golf fans around the world.
The trust said the work was necessary to counter the erosion caused to the immediate area around the bridge caused by the many thousands of visitors each year but stressed no work had been undertaken to the bridge itself.
St Andrews Links Trust response
A Trust spokesperson said: “In order to avoid having to close the bridge to foot traffic during certain periods of the year, a number of solutions have been attempted previously.
“These include installation of hybrid and synthetic artificial turf and the regular replacement, reseed and support of natural turf, but none have proven to be successful in adequately protecting the area from the significant wear and tear.
“Historically the bridge has previously seen a stone pathway leading onto it and the current works are designed to see if we can replicate this while being fit for purpose for the amount of foot traffic it has to endure.
“The shape of the current installation covers the ground that receives the most traffic as the area where the majority of photographs are taken of people on the bridge.
“It should be noted that the works are not yet complete.
“Ongoing efforts are being undertaken to ensure any final installation, including size, shape and material, is in keeping with its surroundings.
“We recognise that as such an iconic landmark in golf, the Swilcan Bridge retains a special place in the heart of many golfers and as such can be an emotive topic.
“We are confident we will find the best ongoing solution to preserve the iconic nature of the Swilcan Bridge and its surroundings while ensuring that as many people as possible can continue to visit the site year round.”
The bridge was originally built over 700 years ago to help shepherds get their livestock across the Swilcan Burn.
However, it’s now widely regarded as one of the most famous spots in world sport at what is the home of golf.
Conversation