Honouring a Golfing Legend: St Andrews Unveils Tom Morris Statue at Bow Butts
On 2 October, a bronze sculpture of the legendary Tom Morris was unveiled on Bow Butts in St Andrews, marking a significant moment for the home of golf. The ceremony drew notable figures, including Morris' great-great-granddaughter Shelia Walker, former Scottish Open champion Sandy Lyle, and historian Roger McStravick. Others include sculptor David Annand and the man whose vision brought the statue to life: Ronald Standford. The event wasn’t just a celebration of the unveiling; it symbolised a new landmark for the town, offering a fresh attraction for tourists and locals alike.
While the statue has been visible for only a few days, it took 10 years to construct. Mr Standford first envisioned the project nine years ago, when he saw a tribute statue of Tom Morris whilst playing at the Old Tom Morris Links in Ireland. He felt St Andrews, as the spiritual home of golf, similarly deserved to honour the man who shaped the game’s history. Although there is a bronze medallion of Morris under the Royal & Ancient Golf Club clubhouse clock, Standford believed it didn’t fully capture the significance of Morris’ contributions to both the town and the sport.
Bringing this vision to reality was no easy task. It took years of effort, two formal project proposals, and a team of nine dedicated individuals. The latter includes local sculptor David Annand, known for his works of Bishop Henry Wardlaw and Hamish McHamish statues. Mr Standford acknowledged the hurdles they faced, particularly in securing planning permission from Fife Council — a crucial step, as funding and sponsorships depended on it. The approval, granted in 2021, paved the way for the project. However, logistical delays meant the statue missed key anniversaries, such as the bicentenary of Morris' birth and the Women’s British Open. Its unveiling is particularly significant: it was deliberately timed to coincide with the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, ensuring the project received its deserved attention.
The £72,000 statue received financial backing from organisations including the Pilgrim Trust, the R&A, and the Kinburn Trust. Mr Standford expressed disappointment over the absence of support from the St Andrews Community Trust, with sponsorship from the Links Trust still pending.
Finding the right location for the statue posed another challenge. Mr Standford scouted several potential sites, from the southwest corner of the Himalayas to areas near the New Course. Ultimately, the chosen spot on Bow Butts met all the key criteria: it is accessible; highly visible and unobtrusive to golfers, as well as close to amenities. The location’s symbolism is undeniable — Morris gazes out over the Old Course, the 18th green, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club clubhouse — and more importantly, the house where he lived for eighteen years. As Mr Standford said: “It’s the most iconic corner in the world of golf.”
Mr Standford believes the statue will not only honor Morris but also boost tourism and instil local pride, ensuring that St Andrews’ rich golfing history continues to be celebrated. He emphasized how community members have already shown strong support for the project. Tom Morris, often referred to as ‘the father of modern golf’, was born and died in St Andrews. A four-time Open Championship winner, he revolutionized the game through his innovations in greenkeeping, course design, and equipment-making. He played a key role in standardizing the 18-hole course layout. As Mr Standford aptly said: “Without Tom Morris, it’s unlikely St Andrews would be the home of golf,” adding that today’s players “have so much to thank him for.”
In a nod to Morris’ lasting impact, Mr Standford highlights that the 18th hole of the Old Course remains the only one in the world dedicated to an individual. Morris' legacy extends far beyond golf — his integrity and values continue to resonate within St Andrews and beyond. Now, with the statue standing proudly in the heart of the town, his influence is captured not just in the sport he helped shape, but in the very character of the town itself.
Photo by Madeleine Rea
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