St Andrews releases statement after golf fans RAGE at new-look Swilcan Bridge

Images emerged of the Swilcan Bridge at St Andrews over the weekend that raised the eyebrows of golf fans as the famous landmark looks to have had a makeover.

As you can see in the image below posted by legendary golf commentator Ken Brown, the front and back of the bridge have been extended and part of the fairway has been replaced with stone.

The bridge is located on the 18th hole on the Old Course where many legendary players have walked across on their way to winning the Claret Jug. The bridge goes over the burn that runs across the 1st and 18th holes.

The new stepstone areas appear very large and the images initially brought strong responses from some golf fans. The Swilcan Bridge is undoubtedly one of the most iconic objects in the sport.

The Swilken Bridge now serving food. A table for Fore please.
Serving BBQ meals . Book early pic.twitter.com/z5u42HezHu

— Ken Brown ….⛳️ (@KenBrownGolf) February 5, 2023

Tiger Woods crossed potentially for the final time in July 2022 at The 150th Open Championship. Woods was overcome with emotion when the crowd gave him rapturous applause for what was likely the final time he'd make the walk.

He won two of his three Claret Jugs at the home of golf and playing The 150th Open was Woods' long-term goal while in rehabilitation.

Jack Nicklaus stood on the bridge and took in the ovation from the crowd when he bowed out of The Open Championship in 2005. It is certainly part of the furniture at the world's most famous golf course. 

The Golden Bear also won two of his three Open titles at St. Andrews. St Andrews Golf Links have since released a statement about the works to the bridge, which should provide some comfort for golf fans.

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

Here is what some golf fans had to say:

Breaking: The Millenium Falcon has landed on the famous Swilcan Bridge at St Andrew’s pic.twitter.com/6ijAIM7DcQ

— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) February 4, 2023

I thought getting rid of the Old Tom Morris golf shop was bad enough but what they’ve now done to the Swilcan Bridge beggars belief - pic.twitter.com/aYqKQKmrmz

— TheGolfDivoTee™ (@TheGolfDivoTee) February 5, 2023

What have they done to the Swilcan Bridge at St.Andrews @TheHomeofGolf #notsureatall @StripeyGreenTv @RickShielsPGA @mattfryergolf @carters_golf @cantonadieu @PeterFinchGolf pic.twitter.com/Bzn0YBVC0f

— Danny K (@NoseyDK) January 5, 2023

Sacrilege or clever design ?? #golf #SwilcanBridge @BBCScotland @PGATOUR @LIVGolfInv @McIlroyRory @BBCSportsound @ITVSport @NickFaldo006 @STVNews pic.twitter.com/wKRVBiWsEh

— Stephen Mallon (@sjm750) February 5, 2023

And just like that, golfers from all over the world, after taking an emotional dream photo from the #SwilcanBridge will sit down and crop out the horrific, insulting addition to one of the most iconic landmarks in all of sport!! @BobWeeksTSN @GolfChannel @TheHomeofGolf #StAndrews pic.twitter.com/tfRWjZaw1N

— Luke Hearns (@LHearns2) February 5, 2023