Swilcan Bridge

Marty and I traveled to Scotland after one of our teaching events in London, taking a few days to explore beyond the city. One of the places we knew we would visit was St. Andrews. For Marty, it was something much more than a stop on the itinerary. For me, I was honestly more interested in the town itself, its history and streets. St. Andrews is that kind of town. It carries its history through its university and cathedral.  

But then there is the course: The St Andrews Old Course is often called the “Home of Golf”, and it is one of the oldest golf courses in the world, with play dating back to the 15th century. What began as simple links and evolved over time into the course that would shape the game itself. The tradition, the layout, even the way golf is played all carry the influence of this place. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews became one of the sport’s guiding institutions, further tying the identity of golf to this small Scottstown.

And then I found out about the Swilcan Bridge. Marty insisted on getting the photo of the bridge. This simple stone crossing over a narrow burn is located between the first and 18th fairways. I didn’t know it at the time, but this bridge has become one of the most iconic landmarks of golf.  

As bored as I might have been at that moment, Marty stood on this bridge and in that moment, it wasn’t about the history, it was about the game and what this place represented to him.

Sometimes the importance of a place is not found in what we know about it, but in what we witness while we are there. St Andrews gave me a town rich in history and character and gave Marty a connection to something he valued.