Golfer under fire over “disrespectful” St Andrews trick shot

A golfer has been widely condemned after footage of him attempting a risky shot in St Andrews was widely shared on social media.

The unidentified individual was filmed hitting a shot from the corner of Golf Place and North Street, just outside The Dunvegan Bar and only 100 yards or so from the 18th green of the Old Course.

In the clip, the man – who has an American accent – hits a ball from the pavement over the top of building on the left-hand side of Golf Place as you approach the Old Course, amongst them the Auchterlonies golf shop.

He is then filmed sprinting towards The Links to see the outcome of his shot.

Watch it all here…

🏬🏌🏻‍♂️Would you attempt this shot?

“That’s right at it!!!” 😲

(Via: wyatt.messmer/IG) pic.twitter.com/aEuiWU23Fw

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) June 7, 2024

It’s not clear when the clip was filmed but it has been shared by a number of prominent accounts on social media in recent days, prompting a backlash from a number of outraged viewers.

Veteran caddie Craig Connelly, the long-time looper for two-time major champion Martin Kaymer, was amongst those unimpressed by the incident.

“Such a stupid thing to do!” wrote the Scotsman, adding: “Lucky it wasn’t Glasgow… he’d get a right do’in!”

Respected golf writer John Huggan added: “Anyone celebrating this nonsense needs to think hard about what they are saying.”

Others were just as dismayed by the incident.

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“You don’t start creating parkour golf in the greatest golf town in the world,” wrote one X user. “This is low tier.”

Another added: “Shocking. What if someone was on the green and the ball hit them. Zero respect for golf in general.”

“This guy could have hurt someone,” added a third, with another social media follower even calling for the man to be arrested.

Some, though, appeared to have no issue with what unfolded.

“Gotta be honest, that was pure off the sidewalk, all things considered,” wrote one.

Another claimed: “Street golf is a long and cherished St Andrews tradition.”

The last word, though, should go to St Andrews Links Trust which operates the seven public courses in the town.

A spokesperson told bunkered.co.uk: “This is an irresponsible and reckless act which shows disregard for the safety of both public and property.

“This kind of behaviour is not welcome at the Home of Golf and we would discourage anyone from repeating it.”

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor