Golf Twitter Fuming Over Changes Made to St. Andrews’s Famed Swilcan Bridge

The famous Swilcan Bridge located on the 18th hole at St. Andrews’s Old Course seems to have been altered, and golf fans are not very happy about the changes. 

On Saturday morning, Twitter user @ukgolfguy shared a photo of the unmistakable landmark. In the picture, it appears that a circular stone pathway has been built on either side of the bridge—a structure which has been crossed by legends of the game throughout its history. 

The site is perhaps the most well-known golf course feature in the world. For golfers and visitors of the Old Course, it is criminal to pass up on a photo opportunity on top of the bridge. Historians believe the Swilcan Bridge has stood for 700 years, as it was originally used by shepherds leading their animals across the equally notable Swilcan Burn. 

Now, the longstanding structure site will look a bit different in those coveted photos. 

Golf fans were quick to criticize the updates made to Swilcan Bridge, and many noted that the new area resembles a backyard patio. 

Some users suspected that the round extensions were added as an alternative to the often worn-down fairway on both sides of the bridge, as the areas tend to experience heavy foot traffic.

For the golf Twitter community, however, that logical explanation provided no excuse. 

One user wrote, “Might be the worst addition to the Old Course ever.” Another fan added, “Hoping to cross this in a few months. Should I bring a fold up chair with me?”

Even six-time major champion Nick Faldo took to social media to express his thoughts. 

Other critics got more creative with their commentary, even photo-shopping the area to include bonus features.