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St. Andrews issue statement following uproar over drastic change to famous Swilcan Bridge

Published

1 year ago

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Golf fans love nothing more than tradition.

Leaving aside the obvious change in tournament format by you-know-who, the internet constantly buzzes when changes are planned, particularly to the most famous of course layouts.

In November, we reported on the finishing touches to ‘Azalea’ – Augusta’s famous 13th – a year after the committee revealed amendments to their 11th and 15th. That, however, was nothing compared to the furore caused by St. Andrews this week.

On Saturday, UK Golf Guy tweeted a picture of changes to the approach of the legendary Swilcan Bridge, the pathway that spans the burn between the first and 18th fairways.

According to the much-travelled golf enthusiast, St. Andrews appears to have built a ‘garden patio’ on the hallowed land:

The image of the bridge is one of the most recognized in the game, and the tradition of having a photo on the bridge is the ambition of every professional, let alone amateur, golfer.

Jack Nicklaus ensured he went down in St. Andrews history when playing his final Open Championship in 2005, whilst Tiger Woods, the man that remains his nearest challenger in terms of major titles, shed a tear during an emotional reception at the 150th Open Championship last July.

It’s safe to say that the vast majority of responses were of the less favourable type, from, “Looks like something an over enthusiastic club captain would insist on having built to mark ‘their year’,“ to, “Dear god. Water fountain in the burn next?“

And those are the ones we can repeat.

There had to be an explanation, and the Home of Golf were quick to issue a statement, highlighting the rationale behind the new build.

The change is understandable, but the style has come under serious attack from all around the globe.

One thing is for sure, whatever we think, the bridge remains iconic.

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19th Hole

LET pro gives detailed financial breakdown of first week on tour…and the net result may shock you

Published

3 days ago

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Apr 26, 2024

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On Friday morning, Ladies European Tour player, Hannah Gregg, took to social media to share her weekly expenses playing on the LET.

“Expenses of my first week on Ladies European Tour: Flights: $2600 Work Visa: $350 

  • Food: $377 
  • Caddie: $0 because I have an amazing Fiancé 
  • Hotel: $0 because  @GregChalmersPGA sorted me host housing for the week!  
  • Rental Car: +0 because the Tour Tee guys GAVE me their car  
  • Gas: $165 
  • Entry Fee: $130 
  • Lounge Pass for caddie: $50 
  • Gym: $0 
  • Yardage book: $0 
  • Total expenses: $3672 

Made cut, finished 54th, total earned: $1244 Factor in 35% tax on earnings. To break even, needed to finish 24th. To make money, 21st. Guess we have our goals laid out for next event!”

When factoring in Gregg’s free housing, free caddie and free rental car, it’s evident that most LET players would have to finish well inside of the top-20 to make any money.

With ridiculous amounts of money being thrown around in professional golf these days, it’s important to remember the other side of the coin as well. There are countless professionals out there who struggle to get by on their golf salary.

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19th Hole

54-hole golf tour deemed eligible for OWGR points…but it’s not LIV

Published

4 days ago

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Apr 25, 2024

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After a seventeen-month application process, a 54-hole golf tour was deemed eligible for OWGR points.

Unfortunately, for LIV Golf and their fans, it was the Clutch Pro Tour.

After the decision, which is effective immediately, OWGR chairman Peter Dawson issued a statement.

“This is a significant milestone for golf, and OWGR is deeply encouraged by the achievement and the continued efforts in developing the sport of golf in the United Kingdom.”

“We look forward to watching the progress of the Clutch Pro Tour as it continues to play a key role in the development of players from the region,” Dawson added.

The Clutch Pro Tour operates in the United Kingdom and features a 36-hole cut. It also has an open qualifying school.

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19th Hole

Charlie Woods attempting to qualify for spot at 2024 U.S. Open

Published

4 days ago

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Apr 25, 2024

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As first reported by Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated, Charlie Woods will be attempting to qualify for this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

The first stage of qualifying for this year’s tournament will be an 18-hole local event on Thursday, April 25th, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

There will be 84 players in the field, five of which will reach the 36-hole qualifier that will take place in June.

Earlier this season, Charlie attempted to qualify for the Cognizant Classic, and struggled, shooting an 86.

If the younger Woods is able to qualify, he will tee it up in the same field as his father in a few months at one of the more historic U.S. Open venues.

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