Scotland’s St Andrews golf club has backflipped on a controversial change to its iconic Swilcan Bridge after it was met with widespread outrage.
A circular section of stonework was recently installed on the approch to the bridge to protect the surrounding grass, which would often become muddy from the heavy foot traffic on the 18th hole.
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The Swilcan Bridge is more than 600 years old and is arguably the most iconic part of the world’s most historic golf course.
Australian Cameron Smith won his first major at the 150th edition of the Open Championship at St Andrews last year.
But the introduction of the stone pavers, likened by many as an ugly garden patio, was slammed by fans and past players, including English golf legend Nick Faldo as being out of character with the bridge.
Former Scottish Ryder Cup player turned BBC golf analyst Ken Brown joked that the Swilcan Bridge was “now serving food. A table for fore please. Serving barbeque meals. Book early.”
Former Australian pro Mark Allen described the changes as “very poor”, while Sports Illustrated’s Alex Miceli compared the pavers to a “cobblestone helicopter pad.”
“What are the laws in Scotland about disfiguring or maiming a 700-year-old plus architectural marvel?” Miceli wrote.
“That question must be asked after seeing what the Links Trust has done to the Swilcan Bridge, which makes you wonder, are they completely out of their minds?
“Please get rid of the joker that thought building a brick runway made sense. It doesn’t.”
No alterations have been made to the bridge itself but St Andrews released a statement confirming the stonework would be removed and the paved approach to the bridge would be replaced by turf.
“The stonework at the approach and exit of the bridge was identified as one possible long-term solution,” St Andrews said on Monday. “However, while this installation would have provided some protection, in this instance we believe we are unable to create a look which is in keeping with its iconic setting and have taken the decision to remove it.
“We have also taken on feedback from many partners and stakeholders as well as the golfing public and we would like to thank everyone who has been in touch for their contribution to the issue.
“The widespread attention and commentary is indicative of the regard in which St Andrews is held around the world and we are conscious of our role in preserving this heritage while recognising its hallowed grounds have continued to evolve to meet demands for more than 600 years.
“In the coming days our team will be reinstating the area with turf. We will continue to explore alternative options for a permanent solution.”
The Swilcan Bridge on St Andrews’ famous Old Course has been the site of iconic images where golf legends including Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson have farewelled the game in emotional scenes.
Tiger Woods’ pause on the bridge during last year’s Open Championship sparked speculation over his golfing future as he waved to the crowd.
The bridge is also a popular spot for tourists and visiting golfers to take a photo as they make their way up the 18th hole while playing their bucket list round.
St Andrews have previously explored various options for the approach to Swilcan Bridge including regular turf, artificial turf, but none have proven to be particularly successful.
But for now, fans will be pleased to know that grass will prevail over pavers.