The group behind a statue of Old Tom Morris have been left devastated after the St Andrews monument was vandalised.
Members of the Old Tom Morris Stature project committee were alerted to the damage on Saturday morning, just a month after it was unveiled.
Images sent to The Courier show the golf club in Morris’ right hand was snapped off by vandals.
Cast in bronze, the life-size sculpture overlooks the 18th hole on the iconic course, which was designed by Morris.
Project chairman Ronald Sandford said: “I was playing on the New Course when I received a call sharing the disappointing news about the statue.
“Overnight the head was broken off the club being held in Tom’s right hand.
“This is simply mindless vandalism spoiling the enjoyment of so many people.”
The vandalism came after reports of disturbances across the town centre on Friday.
Mr Sandford said: “Apparently there were ugly scenes in town last night but I do not know if there is a link.
“Hopefully Police Scotland will get a sight of the perpetrators from security cameras in the area.”
Ronald hopes that repair work on the damage will take place quickly.
He said: “David Annand, the sculptor, and Powderhall Bronze foundry have a solution to restore the club head. This is very encouraging.
“This magnificent statue is very popular with locals and visitors alike so this really just an annoying blip.”
A large crowd of onlookers, including Hollywood superstar Bill Murray, watched on as the statue was unveiled last month.
The Old Tom Statue group were joined at the event by Sandy Lyle and Morris’ great-great-granddaughter, Sheila Walker.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “At around 12.10pm on Saturday, police received a report of vandalism in the area of The Scores.
“Enquiries are at an early stage.”
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