The outrage was loud and ferocious. The golf world united in its outcry when some unfortunate soul at the St. Andrews Links Trust thought it might be a good idea to build the equivalent of what looked like a helicopter pad in front of the world-famous, 700-year-old Swilcan Bridge.
Every great golfer in the game’s history has walked across that bridge. It’s the favorite photo opportunity for golfing pilgrims at The Old Course — hallowed ground in the golf world.
Naturally, there’s a lot of wear-and-tear to the ground in front of the bridge, located on the 18th fairway of The Old Course. This past week, images were taken of an addition to the front of the bridge. It looked horrible and observers were having a major meltdown on social media.
The cobblestone addition was met basically with outrage — it was called everything from a backyard patio to a helicopter landing pad. Some wondered if a fire pit would be added.
What we had was one very large, impending disaster that some thought akin to drawing a mustache on the Mona Lisa.
It didn’t take long for those folks at the St. Andrews Links Trust to most likely think to themselves: “Oh shit, what have we done?”
Didn’t take long for this disaster of a decision to get overturned.
Just this week, work has started to remove the eyesore and the Links Trust put out this statement:
“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.
“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 recognizing its hallowed ground have continued to evolve to meet demands for more than 600 years.”
The stones will be removed and the area in front of the bridge will be replaced with new turf while The Trust explores other options to protect the heavily-trafficked area.
But for now, it’s disaster averted at The Old Course.
LIV Golf Names Cam, Bubba As Captains:
LIV Golf, whose business model will eventually depend solely on team golf, has named Cam Smith and Bubba Watson as two new team captains. Smith will lead the newly-named Rippers and Bubba heads up the Rangegoats. You keep wondering which third-grade class came up with the names?
The other captains are Dustin Johnson, 4 Aces; Martin Kaymer, Cleeks; Bryson DeChambeau, Crushers; Sergio Garcia, Fireballs; Phil Mickelson, Hy Flyers; Kevin Na, Iron Heads; Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson, Majesticks; Brooks Koepka, Smash; Louis Oosthuizen, Stinger; Joaquin Niemann, Torque.
The LIV season begins Feb. 24 in Mayakoba.
Achusnet Acquires Club Glove:
In news from the golf business world, Achusnet has added to its brands by acquiring upscale golf luggage company Club Glove.
Achusnet is the parent company of both the Titleist and Foot-Joy brands.
