The golf community was left reeling after a senseless act of vandalism struck at the heart of the sport. As we all recently got to know, a statue of the legendary Old Tom Morris, unveiled just a month prior near St. Andrews’ 18th fairway, was brutally defaced. The statue held immense sentimental value, standing on the very spot where Morris made history by winning the Open Championship at 46 years of age. To make matters worse, Morris’s great-great-granddaughter resides in the adjacent shop and flat, where the golf icon once called home.

Local historian Roger McStravick, who played a pivotal role in the statue’s creation, was understandably devastated. “Gutted to say that the Tom Morris statue in St Andrews was vandalized last night. They snapped the clubbed off.” He took to social media to share the heartbreaking news, condemning the “mindless” act. Authorities sprang into action, scouring CCTV footage from the R&A and other sources to bring the perpetrators to justice. McStravick’s initial joy at the statue’s arrival, when he exclaimed “It feels like Old Tom has come home,” was replaced with disappointment and frustration.

Professional golfer Billy Horschel also took to Twitter to express his views on the matter and wrote, “Very sad! Hopefully, they are caught and fully punished by the law”. Well, the fans agree with the golfer as this isn’t just an act of vandalism but a stark realization of how the history of golf is in danger.

But why is everyone so upset about this? Well, it all goes back to the rich history that the statue features.

The story behind the Old Tom Morris statue

On October 2, dignitaries and golf enthusiasts came together to celebrate the life and legacy of Morris, a four-time Open Championship winner and former golf professional at St. Andrews. McStravick, a local historian, was among those present at the dedication ceremony, which coincided with the DP World Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. “The sculpture has a lovely finish to it,” McStravick noted. “It fits. And it feels like Old Tom has come home.” The statue’s location, gazing over the 18th hole on the Old Course, held sentimental value as it stood near Morris’s former golf shop.

The Old Tom Statue Project Group, led by Ronald Sandford, worked tirelessly for nearly a decade to bring the memorial to fruition. Former Open champion Sandy Lyle, Morris’s great-great-granddaughter Sheila Walker, and sculptor David Annand were among the notable attendees. Sandford’s vision, sparked by a statue in Donegal, finally came to life after overcoming COVID-19 pandemic delays and securing approval from Fife Council in 2023.  However, not everyone seemed to have understood the significance of this statue. What is your take on the incident? Let us know in the comment section below!