Why is the Swilcan Bridge patio getting demolished? Real reason explored
Just when anybody thinks one drama is over, another is already midway through. That's the golfing world these days for you, a never-ending reality series.
This weekend, some masonry was seen at the foot of the iconic Swilcan Bridge at the St. Andrews Links Old Ground. The patios on both ends of the Swilcan Bridge was installed by the course's ground crew to alleviate the wear and tear that the Bridge might have suffered over its 600-year lifespan.
However, the rather unpleasant sight enraged golf lovers all around the world. The Swilcan Bridge is a historic landmark and is visited by hundreds of visitors each year. According to the official statement, the stonework was built as a "long term solution" to protect it from the many visitors.
However, the aesthetic value of the Swilcan Bridge was considerably reduced by the new additions and their construction was met with intense outrage from around the globe. Perhaps the most direct and scalding one came from Sir Nick Faldo who said:
"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?"
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? 😱 https://t.co/O1NWIHbIKt
Faldo was joined by several other golfers in expressing their displeasure over the new patios. The widespan criticism led to the St. Andrews officials to roll back their decision, which would surely be too much joy amongst the golfing community.
St. Andrews begins demolising the new patios at Swilcan Bridge
This will probably be the first and last time in history that golf fans are jubilant to see large construction being carried around historical landmarks on the golf course. Recently, a video went viral on social media that showed a JCB demolishing the new patios at the Swilcan Bridge.
JUST IN: Demolition begins at the Swilcan Bridge patio 
🚨JUST IN: Demolition begins at the Swilcan Bridge patio 🚧https://t.co/HhJ0htsKyM
The official statement from St. Andrews said that they couldn't come up with a look that complemented the iconic status of the bridge and hence decided to remove the patios.
The statement read:
"The stonework at the approach and exit of the bridge was identified as one possible long-term solution. 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."
It also added further that they had taken feedback from partners, stakeholders and fans before the action.
The decision of removing the patios was met with much fanfare. While some agreed that patios in general were not such a bad idea considering the maintenance of the rather old Bridge. However, they believed that the crew should have chosen material that looked more natural and in sync with the historical structure.
@NUCLRGOLF IMO, the pavers were a good idea. Just make them look more natural. I'm sure there's a way to put them in to make it feel like they're 700 years old. A backyard BBQ patio wasn't it.
Well, for today, public opinion won the game. But hopefully St. Andrews will come up with a more aesthetic solution to the protection and maintenance problem soon.