Golf enthusiasts love tradition.
The internet buzzes about changes to course layouts, especially when they are made by someone you don’t know.
We reported in November on the final touches to “Azalea” – Augusta’s 13th birthday – one year after the amendments were made to their 11th, and 15th. However, this was nothing compared with the furore created by St. Andrews this Week.
UK Golf Guy tweeted on Saturday a photo of the changes made to the approach to the Swilcan Bridge. This is the path that crosses the burn between the 18th and first fairways.
According the well-traveled golf enthusiast, St. Andrews seems to have built a garden patio’ on the land.
It appears that they have constructed a garden patio near the Swilken Bridge. pic.twitter.com/XDljucNB5z
— UK Golf Guy (@ukgolfguy). February 4, 2023
The bridge image is one of the most well-known in golf. Every professional, as well as amateur, has a goal to take a picture of it.
Jack Nicklaus made sure he was a part of St. Andrews’ history by playing in his last Open Championship in 2005. Tiger Woods, who remains his closest challenger in terms major titles, shed tears during the emotional reception at the 150th Open Championship last June.
It is safe to say that most of the responses were not favorable. They ranged from “Looks like something a club captain would insist on building to mark “their year” to “Dear god.” Is there a water fountain at the burn?
These are the ones that we can keep repeating.
The Home of Golf had to give an explanation.
This image was taken in October 2022. It shows the wear and tear that has occurred in the area. We are working to fix this problem so that the bridge is accessible to all golfers and visitors year round. pic.twitter.com/Fln8jqP9gg
— St Andrews Links (@TheHomeofGolf February 5, 2023
Although the change is easy to understand, the style has been severely criticized by people all over the world.
One thing is certain, no matter what we think, this bridge will always be iconic.
