Posted on 02/06/2023 9:45:37 AM PST by Red Badger
The famous Swilcan Bridge located on the 18th hole at St. Andrews’s Old Course seems to have been altered, and golf fans are not very happy about the changes.
On Saturday morning, Twitter user @ukgolfguy shared a photo of the unmistakable landmark. In the picture, it appears that a circular stone pathway has been built on either side of the bridge—a structure which has been crossed by legends of the game throughout its history.
The site is perhaps the most well-known golf course feature in the world. For golfers and visitors of the Old Course, it is criminal to pass up on a photo opportunity on top of the bridge. Historians believe the Swilcan Bridge has stood for 700 years, as it was originally used by shepherds leading their animals across the equally notable Swilcan Burn.
Now, the longstanding structure site will look a bit different in those coveted photos.
Golf fans were quick to criticize the updates made to Swilcan Bridge, and many noted that the new area resembles a backyard patio.
Some users suspected that the round extensions were added as an alternative to the often worn-down fairway on both sides of the bridge, as the areas tend to experience heavy foot traffic.
For the golf Twitter community, however, that logical explanation provided no excuse.
One user wrote, “Might be the worst addition to the Old Course ever.” Another fan added, “Hoping to cross this in a few months. Should I bring a fold up chair with me?”
Even six-time major champion Nick Faldo took to social media to express his thoughts.
(Excerpt) Read more at si.com ...
If they want to fix something, find a way to fix the ridiculous tee shot on #17.
All it needs is a beer and hot dog stand....
“Golf Twitter” (snicker)
My guess is the sod was being worn down by people taking selfies and standing around waiting for others to do the same.
The club owners probably decided to add the stonework , so the people won’t wear out the grass any more...............
Yeah. Take away the patio. AND bring back the sheep and shepherds.
I can see the worn down sod on the left...............
What people need to understand is that St. Andrews is a functioning public golf course. It undoubtedly gets a lot of wear and tear during the year.
I would have least sanded down the cobblestone so it’d look like it’s been there forever
It looks more like 70s era Formica.
Heh heh... Looking at the outer edge of the new “patio”, I’d say they can expect some trip-and-fall lawsuits. Shoulda left it the way it was.
Give them a square ball and really have fun
Swill Bottle.
Some people wake up every day and look for things to be angry about.......................
Looks a bit unfinished around the edges to me.
Dang... that looks awful!!
Thankfully, I made it there last summer, three days before the start of The Open. I got my photos on the traditional bridge
Probably is unfinished. Did they state it is finished?
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