David Joy, well known for his portrayal of Old Tom Morris, has unveiled a life-size bronze statue of his alter ego, one of St Andrews most famous characters, at the British Golf Museum.
The statue, which stands over 6 feet tall, was donated to the Museum by The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. The GCSAA commissioned the sculpture last year to mark 75 years of service to greenkeeping. Old Tom serves as a symbol of their profession and an identical statue stands in place of honour at GCSAA headquarters in Kansas. The statue weighs over 400 lbs (182 kgs.)
The sculpture was designed by Brad Pearson, greenkeeper at Holdrege Country Club, Nebraska, and part-time artist. Pearson wanted Tom Morris, his icon, to be monumental. We are delighted to have been presented with this statue,” said Sam Groves, assistant curator. “Old Tom has been placed in the front window of the Museum with a view of the golf courses and he certainly does look larger than life!”
The British Golf Museum is open daily from 9.30 am until 5.30 pm. The admission price for adults is £4 but concessions and group rates are available.
British Golf Museum www.britishgolfmuseum.co.uk
David Joy www.golf-historian.co.uk
GCSAA www.gcsaa.org