Old Tom Morris Statue Vandalised

Just a few weeks after the unveiling of the Old Tom Morris statue, it has been subject to vandalism. The sculpture — which took ten years to complete — honours golf legend Tom Morris, who won the Open Championship four times. On 2 October, the bronze sculpture, created by David Annand, was unveiled at Bow Butts. The statue received 250 donations for its construction from clubs and organisations such as the Pilgrim Foundation, Kinburn Charitable Trust, and the R&A’s Town Fund. 

The statue’s unveiling was attended by Hollywood star Bill Murray, Morris’ great-great-granddaughter Sheila Walker, and many locals. The news of the vandalism has caused many people to speak out against the act. Roger McStravick, a golf writer and historian, posted on X about the incident: “Gutted to say that the Tom Morris Statue in St Andrews was vandalised.” He went onto stress that “needless to say, we are all looking at all CCTV cameras including the R&A to see if the perpetrators have been caught in the act.” McStravick also called the act “mindless”. American professional golfer Billy Horschel, who is an eight-time PGA Tour winner, reposted McStravick’s post, captioning it,“Very sad! Hopefully they are caught and fully punished by the law.” 

It’s been just over a week since the vandalism and quick action has been taken to restore the statue to its former state. McStravick announced in a post on X, “Tom has got his club back [...] Truly grateful to one and all. Great work by Powderhall Bronze for the repair. Just delighted.” Nothing is known publicly about the identity of the vandals. However, the trace of their crime has been erased by the quick action to replace the golf club of one of the most famous golfers from the ‘Home of Golf’. 

The Pilgrim Foundation, who also aided in the installation of the Old Tom Morris statue in St Andrews, are planning another commemoration of history of golf within the town. The Foundation has submitted several planning permission applications to Fife Council to install plaques at 1 Albany Place in honour of Tom Morris and at 22 Golf Place to honour Allan Roberston, another famous St Andrews-born golfer believed to be one of the first professional golfers. 

Photo by Madeleine Rea