St. Andrews Backtracks on Swilcan Bridge Changes After Social Media Backlash

Just a few days after making changes to the notorious Swilcan Bridge that crosses over a small creek at the St. Andrews Old Course in Scotland, the course will revert the area to its former turf.

Changes at the Swilcan Bridge have been in the works for some time, as a statement today from the St. Andrews Links Trust said that “exploratory works around the approach to and from the Swilcan Bridge had been undertaken as part of ongoing attempts to mitigate the issue of significant wear and tear to the turf.”

Eventually, the Trust landed on a small but noticeably drastic stone patio that had recently been installed. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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After comments from “partners and stakeholders,” St. Andrews will go back to turf in that area.

St. Andrews has been hosting golfers as far back as 1552, and with over 600 years of history, many were not happy with the stone patio.

Twitter is not happy about the changes to the #Swilcanbridge. It’s a hideous design for the “upgrade.” I won’t bother posting a photo of it. Instead, here is one of my favorite historical photos of the bridge. It shows Margaret Hamilton at the 1929 British Ladies Amateur. #Golf pic.twitter.com/W5aaEtsUVb

— Shanking Shots Historical Society (@ShankingShots) February 5, 2023

This… is very poor.

What’s wrong with simply replacing the grass “drop in pitch style” when the turf wears out..??

I just can’t believe a sane human thought it would be a good idea.

It has to be a joke… right..??#SwilcanBridge pic.twitter.com/znLYyjW1J1

— Mark Allen (@MarkAllenGolf) February 5, 2023

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

Some called it disrespectful; others called it horrendous. One thing is for sure, it didn’t have the support of many golfers and fans around the world, who made their opinions known.

But in stride and support of the people, St. Andrews Links finally admitted today in a statement that the old look will return:

Further to recent communications about works in the area around the Swilcan Bridge, we have released an updated statement below.

The full statement can also be found on our website here: https://t.co/Xo3TXjBD3r pic.twitter.com/ZKCY2qty1j

— St Andrews Links (@TheHomeofGolf) February 6, 2023

“The stonework at the approach and exit of the bridge was identified as one possible long term solution, 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.”

The statement continued:

“In the coming days our team will be reinstating the area with turf. We would like to thank golfers for their patience as we continue this work. In the meantime, we will continue to explore alternative options for a permanent solution and will work with all relevant partners, including Fife Council, and key stakeholders.”

The Swilcan Bridge was built at least 700 years ago, and its earliest applications were used to assist farmers in transporting cattle and livestock across the creek that runs underneath. It is, to any golfer, a symbol of tradition.

In fact, Tiger Woods crossed it for what is likely the final time at last year’s Open Championship, where Cameron Smith came back from a four-stroke deficit to defeat Rory McIlroy and Cam Young. After Woods crossed the bridge for the final time, he broke down in tears.

Some traditions in golf are better left untouched.

Cover Image Via The Courier