The golf that we enjoy in the 21st century is because of the great efforts of professionals in the early days of golf. One of the prominent names that has helped develop the sport is Tom Morris. The Scottish professional was known for his innovation and skill. Apart from being a player, he was a course designer, too.

Morris has won four Open Championships between 1861 and 1867 and has created over 100 courses. For his incredible contributions to golf, a statue was sculpted in St. Andrews, Scotland, to honor his achievements. Located on the Bow Butts behind the Royal & Ancient Golf Club’s clubhouse. Even the statue is strategically faced towards the 18th green and fairway of the famous Old Course in St. Andrews.

Being a revered figure, his statue is significant to the golf world. However, some notorious citizens not understanding the value have vandalized the statue, which is roughly estimated to cost $123,000 and has been sculpted by David Annand.

In 2024, an incident took place when his golf stick was broken. Now, months after the incident, the latest update shared on X by NUCLR GOLF shared the statue in a similar condition. Sharing the details, the post read, “🚨🤬⛳️ #NEW: Vandals have damaged the Old Tom Morris statue AGAIN at St. Andrews. This time, they not only broke off the club head, but took it. Broken glass was found near the statue and some apparent partying was taking place as well. (Via@R_McStravick).”

The repetition of this vandalizing act has created a ruckus among golf fans, who have expressed their emotions about the incident in the comments section of the X post.

Fans furious reaction to Tom Morris statue incident

The Great Old Man of Golf is considered to be one of the most influential personalities to the sport, hence it is understandable why fans of the sport have completely lost it with this second incidence of disrespect.

One fan wrote, “Second time around, they need a camera nearby..this is pathetic.” Even another wrote along similar lines, “They can’t put a security camera facing it anywhere?!?” As golf fans, the incident is heartbreaking, and the fans are suggesting to keep the statue under surveillance. Earlier, when the incident took place in November, Roger McStravick, a golf historian, asked to share CCTV footage to trace the culprit but was not able to find one. Now, with the incident taking place again. The fans want it to be taken up on priority.

Other netizens joined in by writing, “I truly don’t understand what is wrong with people. I hope you catch the perpetrators and bring them to justice!” and “What is wrong with people?” Vandalizing the statue offers no benefit to anyone; even fans are amused at how people can do things that could hurt other’s sentiments. Tom Morris’s statue is “He was a living legend. I still believe he is Scotland’s greatest golfing icon,” as per the historian.

While other fans joined in sharing punishment for the act. As one wrote, “straight to jail.” Even though, without any proof, finding the ones who did it is tough, maybe after the second incident, the team would find a solution to stop it from happening again. As per the law in Scotland for vandalism of ancient property, the fine is £50,000 and between six months and two year’s imprisonment.

The authorities are looking out for the footage to find out the culprits behind this incident. Further steps on the restoration and punishment are yet to be shared with the public. What are your thoughts about this incident? Share with us in the comments below.