Vandals have struck again at the historic Tom Morris statue in St Andrews, breaking off the golf club portion just months after its previous repair.
“I don’t know what to say,” local golf historian Roger McStravick shared on social media Sunday. He found broken glass scattered around the damaged memorial, suggesting late-night partying might be to blame.
This is the second time the bronze tribute has been vandalized since its unveiling last October.
The statue, which cost about £100,000 ($123,000) to create and install, sits in a prime spot near the famous 18th green of the Old Course. It shows Old Tom Morris, one of golf’s most legendary figures, seated on a bronze bench at Bow Butts.
What makes this vandalism particularly sad is the statue’s deep connection to golf history. Morris, who died in 1908 at age 86, still holds the record as the oldest winner of The Open Championship – a feat he accomplished at 46 years old.
Here’s something pretty amazing: Old Tom and his son are still the only father-son duo to both win the Claret Jug in its 150-plus year history.
The first round of damage happened just weeks after the statue was installed. Back then, the golf community rallied together quickly. PGA Tour pros Billy Horschel and Stephan Jaeger joined Sky Sports presenter Iona Stephen in condemning the vandalism, and donors stepped up to fund repairs.
But now it’s happened again.
This isn’t the only recent attack on British golf courses. Vandals on ATVs tore up multiple holes at one of England’s top courses, causing damage that could cost up to £100,000 to fix. Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club near Royal Troon also suffered when someone dug huge divots into one of their greens.
The golf club piece from the Morris statue wasn’t found this time, unlike after the first incident. Local authorities are asking anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward.
