Scotland’s St Andrews golf membership has backflipped on a controversial change to its iconic Swilcan Bridge after it was met with widespread outrage.
A round part of stonework was just lately put in to guard the encompassing grass, which might typically develop into muddy from the heavy foot visitors on the 18th gap.
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The Swilcan Bridge is greater than 600 years outdated and is arguably probably the most iconic a part of the world’s most historic golf course.
Australian Cameron Smith won his first major on the one hundred and fiftieth version of the Open Championship at St Andrews final 12 months.
However the introduction of the stone pavers, likened by many as an unsightly backyard patio, was slammed by followers and previous gamers, together with English golf legend Nick Faldo as being out of character with the bridge.
Former Scottish Ryder Cup participant 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 professional Mark Allen described the modifications as “very poor”, whereas Sports activities Illustrated’s Alex Miceli in contrast 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 however St Andrews launched a press release confirming the stonework could be eliminated and the paved method to the bridge would get replaced by turf.
“The stonework at the approach and exit of the bridge was identified as one possible long-term solution,” St Andrews stated 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’ well-known Outdated Course has been the location of iconic photos the place golf legends together with Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson have farewelled the sport in emotional scenes.
Tiger Woods’ pause on the bridge throughout final 12 months’s Open Championship sparked hypothesis over his {golfing} future as he waved to the group.
The bridge can be a well-liked spot for vacationers and visiting golfers to take a photograph as they make their approach up the 18th gap whereas taking part in their bucket record spherical.
St Andrews have beforehand explored varied choices for the method to Swilcan Bridge together with common turf, synthetic turf, however none have confirmed to be significantly profitable.
However for now, followers will likely be happy to know that grass will prevail over pavers.
Initially printed as World’s most famous golf course backflips after change to icon sparks mass outrage
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