08 June 2024 , 18:12
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A golfer who played a trick shot from a street in St Andrews towards the iconic 18th green of the Old Course has been condemned by St Andrews Links.
A video on Friday circulated of a golfer playing a shot from the pavement on the corner Golf Place and North Street, the road that leads up to the Old Course. The man in question is seen hitting his shot over a row of local shops, in the hopes of landing his ball on the 18th green.
The golfer in question is heard saying, "Gonna hook it," before the person behind the camera adds: "Go for it." He is then seen playing the high risk shot towards the popular Open Championship venue, before running after the ball to see the end product.
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From the camera, the ball can be seen lying over the other side of the putting surface on the St Andrews Links property. Pleased with his effort the golfer is seen pointing towards his ball, commenting: "'Just over the back, just over the back!"
He then proceeds to walk towards the clubhouse in a bid to retrieve his ball. The video - that has since gone viral on social media - has prompted a response from the golf club, labelling the golfer's antics 'irresponsible' and 'reckless', whilst calling on others to not replicate the attempt.
"This is an irresponsible and reckless act which shows disregard for the safety of both public and property," a statement per Bunkered read on Saturday. "This kind of behaviour is not welcome at the Home of Golf and we would discourage anyone from repeating it."
Amid the criticism from St Andrews Links, the shot was widely criticised on social media. One X (formerly Twitter ) user, condemned the act, tweeting: "Shocking behaviour eh should be a life ban." And they were not alone, with another adding: "Shocking. What if someone was on the green and the ball hit them. Zero respect for golf in general.”
A third person commented: "This should be banned before someone gets injured." Among the critics, was Craig Connelly, caddie of two-time major champion Martin Kaymer. “Such a stupid thing to do!” the Scottish native wrote “Lucky it wasn’t Glasgow… he’d get a right do’in!”
The shot however did leave some golf fans impressed, with one X user lauding the strike, tweeting: "Sounded pure that." A second golf fan was also left impressed by the connection off the concrete pavement, commenting: "Gotta be honest, that was pure off the sidewalk, all things considered."