St. Andrews to remove controversial patio at Swilcan Bridge amid uproar

St. Andrews Links Trust had to give in to public criticism and reverse the course. The Old Course recently added stonework to the Swilcan Bridge. However, golf fans didn't like the new change and the Trust received heavy backlash online.

As per the St. Andrews officials, the “patios” at both ends of the bridge were done to protect the turf damaged by the number of visitors coming to the course every year. The Swilcan Bridge is said to be more than 700 years old.

“The stonework at the approach and exit of the bridge was identified as one possible long-term solution," the official statement stated. "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 also stated that they had taken feedback from partners, stakeholders, and fans for the action.

Earlier, the move by the St. Andrews Trust was criticized by many fans and prominent faces on social media. Former British Open winner Nick Faldo took to Twitter to share his dissatisfaction with the installed pavings

"If you’ve travelled halfway around the world for your bucket list round at St Andrews, would you rather leave with a bit of historic dirt on your shoes or a few cement mix scraps?"

US golfer Tron Carter didn't like the change either.

"Really really really really egregious s**t, esp from this angle. This looks like a DIY backyard patio. I know its tough to grow grass in that high traffic area, but my goodness. Horrible," Carter wrote on Twitter.

Former golfer Mark Allen criticized the move on Twitter.

"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..??"

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Fans happy with St Andrews rollback

Tiger Woods waving to the fans during 150th Open at history Swilcan Bridge

People were happy with the rollback and expressed their happiness on social media.

"They’re taking the patio away from the Swilcan Bridge! The power of social media! Unbelievable!," Bartool Sports' Dan Rapaport tweeted.

One user tweeted:

"Not many people have enough about them to be able to take a step back, listen & then react as quickly as you have done here. The solution you came up with would have worked in a million locations perfectly well, but I agree that our Swican Bridge wasn’t one of them. Well done."

St Andrews Links, widely regarded as the "Home of Golf," is located in the town of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland Golf. The history of golf at this location is more than 700 years old. The oldest course is known as the Old Course.

Apart from the Old Course, there are now seven courses at St Andrews Links: the Old, New, Eden, Strathtyrum, Jubilee, Balgove, and the Castle. Castle is the most recent one that was added in 2007 and opened in 2008.

The prestigious Open Championship takes place at the Old Course. Till now, 150 editions of the "Open" have been played.