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Unveiled this weekend the first photos of the restoration work on the Swilcan Bridge at the Old Course in Saint Andrews have sparked many outraged comments! In order to fight against the ravages of time and of course the overcrowding of walkers visiting Saint Andrews who all want a photo on the mythical Swilcan Bridge of the Old Course, the company in charge of this unique heritage has decided to start restoration.
And the least we can say is that the creation of a rather unsightly stone projection does not leave anyone indifferent. the work is not yet complete and that continuous efforts are made before the peak season to ensure that the final installation, whether in size, shape or materials used, remains compliant
Many former champions, journalists, golf and history enthusiasts expressed their disappointment when they discovered the structure disfigured according to the wishes of the officials of St Andrews Links.
So much so that it was necessary to publish a press release to try to justify what many consider to be a real sacrilege.
St Andrews, statements
It is about this famous approach area since “no work has been directly undertaken on the bridge itself”.
can we read. “Ongoing work is focused solely on the grassed approach area of the bridge, which is regularly deteriorated due to heavy footfall by tens of thousands of golfers and countless other visitors seeking to have their photo taken".
Previously, hybrid and synthetic artificial turf had replaced natural turf without succeeding in stemming natural wear and tear. “Historically the bridge has already had a stone path leading to it and the current works are designed to estimate if we can replicate this and absorb a quantity foot traffic.
It should be noted that the works are not yet complete and that continuous efforts are made before the peak season to ensure that the final installation, whether in size, shape or materials used , remains compliant”.
Visibly touched by the reactions provoked by this work, the St Andrews Links ends its press release by making a commitment in the form of appeasement. “We know that this iconic location holds a special place in the hearts of many golfers and can stir up a lot of emotions.
We are confident that we will find the best solution in order to continue to preserve the iconic nature of the Swilcan Bridge and its surroundings while ensuring that as many people as possible can continue to visit the site all year round”. In the meantime, more or less funny memes on the internet are multiplying…