A statue of Old Tom Morris, a legendary figure in golf, was damaged shortly after being revealed at St Andrews.
Golf historian Roger McStravick shared photos on X showing the damage to the statue, located near the 18th green of the famous Old Course. He expressed his dismay over the vandalism, calling it “mindless.”
McStravick wrote about how upset he was: “Gutted to say that the Tom Morris statue in St Andrews was vandalised last night. They snapped the clubhead off. See pics.” He also mentioned they are checking CCTV footage to catch those responsible and asked anyone with information to reach out.
Gutted to say that the Tom Morris statue in St Andrews was vandalised last night. They snapped the clubbed off. See pics. Needless to say we are looking at all CCTV cameras including the R&A to see if the perpetrators have been caught in the act.
If anyone has any information or…— roger mcstravick (@R_McStravick)
Community Reaction:
The statue, crafted by David Annand, had been unveiled just last month by Sheila Walker, Morris’ great-great-granddaughter. Fans might feel really disappointed about this news because such acts ruin something special for everyone.
Billy Horschel, a well-known golfer who has won eight PGA Tours, voiced his sadness on X: “Very sad! Hopefully they are caught and fully punished by the law.” Iona Stephen also chimed in saying she hopes those responsible get caught soon.
Very sad! Hopefully they are caught and fully punished by the law.
— Billy Horschel (@BillyHo_Golf)
Old Tom Morris passed away in 1908 when he was 86 years old but left behind an incredible legacy as the oldest winner of The Open at age 46. Besides playing golf, he was famous for designing courses like Prestwick and Muirfield and making changes to the Old Course during the 1860s.
Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident; other golf courses in Scotland have faced similar troubles recently. Last year in October, Caird Park in Dundee suffered from severe vandalism leading to its temporary closure. Stirling Golf Club experienced two attacks within days where greens were damaged by divots or motorcycle tracks.
In July this year near Royal Troon—where The Open took place—Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club found large divots on one of their greens too. What do you think should be done to protect these important places?
