Reuters
Golf – The 150th Open Championship – Old Course, St Andrews, Scotland, Britain – July 15, 2022 Tiger Woods of the U.S. waves to spectators as he walks over the Swilken Bridge on the 18th during the second round REUTERS/Paul Childs
Reuters
Golf – The 150th Open Championship – Old Course, St Andrews, Scotland, Britain – July 15, 2022 Tiger Woods of the U.S. waves to spectators as he walks over the Swilken Bridge on the 18th during the second round REUTERS/Paul Childs
The rumors surrounding the Swilcan Bridge have been answered. The official website of St. Andrews Links has addressed concerns over the surroundings of the famed bridge’s developments. The authority of the course has also shared the latest picture of the bridge to clarify any possible confusion over it.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
St. Andrews clarifies Swilcan bridge reconstruction rumors
The Old Course at St. Andrews is considered to be a holy place for golf among traditionalists. Understandably, netizens were shocked when pictures emerged of developments over one of its famous spots, the Swilcan bridge.
According to pictures from a Twitter user, there were re-developments on the patch surrounding the bridge. There were rumors claiming that the bridge would be surrounded by a “garden patio.” The pictures angered fans who didn’t want the historical place to lose its uniqueness.
Getty
ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – JULY 11: Tiger Woods of the United States and Jack Nicklaus of the United States pose on the Swilcan Bridge on the 18th hole during the Celebration of Champions prior to The 150th Open at St Andrews Old Course on July 11, 2022 in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
However, the course management took up the issue to clarify the situation surrounding the bridge. While they revealed that there were works underway, it didn’t concern the iconic spot itself.
“For the avoidance of any doubt, we can categorically state that no works have been undertaken to the bridge itself,” the statement read. However, it claimed that the turf area around the bridge was getting worse, which needed work.
We would like to address concerns that have been raised over works currently underway at the approach area to the Swilcan Bridge.
Please see our full statement on our website here: https://t.co/361CSUgZLw pic.twitter.com/mRdJEQUNU7
— St Andrews Links (@TheHomeofGolf) February 5, 2023
“The ongoing works are solely focussed on the turfed approach to the bridge, which regularly falls into disrepair due to the significant foot traffic by tens of thousands of golfers and countless other visitors seeking to have their photograph taken at the landmark,” it claimed.
Fans react to official news surrounding the Swilcan Bridge
The news gave relief to traditionalists, who had clamored for the conservation of the century-old landmark. To give further respite, the St. Andrews Links’ Twitter account posted a picture of the bridge, taken in October last year, which further highlighted the issue of wear and tear near the bridge.
The image from October 2022 highlights the issue of wear & tear in the area and the problem we are seeking to resolve to ensure the bridge remains accessible for all golfers and visitors throughout the year. pic.twitter.com/Fln8jqP9gg
— St Andrews Links (@TheHomeofGolf) February 5, 2023
Fans were quick to thank the course’s management to provide clarification, but many suggested other alternative solutions as well. Some felt the problem was beyond solvable, while others felt the need for a new structure that could take over as the course’s iconic spot. Here’s a selection of those tweets.
Hilarious that ppl that’ll never even play there and actually crying about it 🤣🤣
— MeechDFS 🏀⛳️🏈🇺🇸 (@MeechDFS) February 5, 2023
It looks pathetic and only a committee could have agreed .
— mark (@marklomas11) February 5, 2023
Respectfully, it looks very bad. It may have been better to leave as is (well worn), or even put green artificial grass in. You could probably replace that turf monthly too. The good thing is, that current work can be pulled up easily for a better solution. Please do!
— Jon Heise (@Jon_Heise) February 5, 2023
Digging their heels in, doesn’t make it right! Surely they can see for themselves it’s not a good look! I don’t know the solution but I think this is not the correct solution. I have every faith they will get there in the end
— Optical Lighting (@opticallighting) February 5, 2023
Just build a smaller Swilken bridge (The Wee Swilken) over the dirt patch that leads to the original Swilken bridge. Simple. I have lots of other ideas too.
— Sean Pass (@seanp1386) February 5, 2023
Change is always difficult, both in choice/decisions and the reactions of those who feel impacted. The new addition will also be impacted by surrounding traffic and the turf concerns will remain.
Sometimes a ‘special place’ can remain special and closing it can be accepted. 🤷🏻♂️— Matt Robinson (@MattRobinsonPGA) February 5, 2023
You have ruined it 😩 who on earth signed off on it
— Lee (@lastdart) February 5, 2023
The fact that you felt you had to put this out is ridiculous…
— Ryan Lanzen, PGA (@ryan_lanzenPGA) February 5, 2023
It’s still an eyesore.
— Michael Bell (@mbell1958) February 5, 2023
it looks absolute horrendous
— orlando iv (@JOrlandoIV) February 5, 2023
Do you think the Swilcan bridge is iconic to the course’s rich history? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Watch This Story – Embarrassing LIV Golf Revelation Overshadows Million Dollar Happy Ending as Fans Throw Jabs at Greg Norman’s Tour
Related Newsletters
