Renovation work around the Swilcan Bridge on the Old Course in St Andrews is to be undone after famous golfers led a backlash against the “horrible” changes.

Paving was recently installed at the landmark, which is estimated to be about 700 years old.

It is a popular spot for tourists following in the footsteps of their golfing heroes.

Greats like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, the late Arnold Palmer, and ‘Old’ Tom Morris, seen by many as the father of modern golf, have been pictured on the bridge in the past.

As a result of the footfall from visitors, St Andrews Links Trust said the turfed approach regularly falls into disrepair.

However, the move to install a new round paved area was widely criticised on social media.

Critics included legends of the game.

Former Open champion Sir Nick Faldo tweeted: “If you’ve travelled halfway around the world for your bucket list round at St Andrews, would you rather leave with a bit of historic dirt on your shoes or a few cement mix scraps?”

While US golf fan and No Laying Up blogger, Tron Carter, said it looked “like a DIY backyard patio”, adding: “I know it’s tough to grow grass in that high traffic area, but my goodness. Horrible.”

Twitter user UK Golf Guy also likened the repair to a “garden patio”.

In a U-turn on Monday, St Andrews Links Trust, which manages the golf course, announced that the area will be reinstated with turf.

In a statement, the trust said it had trialled “a number of solutions” in recent years to find a long-term fix to the wear and tear.

It added: “However while this installation would have provided some protection, in this instance we believe we are unable to create a look which is in keeping with its iconic setting and have taken the decision to remove it.

“The widespread attention and commentary is indicative of the regard in which St Andrews is held around the world and we are conscious of our role in preserving this heritage while recognising its hallowed grounds have continued to evolve to meet demands for more than 600 years.

“In the coming days our team will be reinstating the area with turf. We would like to thank golfers for their patience as we continue this work. In the meantime we will continue to explore alternative options for a permanent solution and will work with all relevant partners, including Fife Council, and key stakeholders.”

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