People from all over the world are being invited to create history by contributing to the Tom Morris statue project in St Andrews.
Planning approval has recently been granted for the erection of a bronze statue of Old Tom Morris on the Bow Butts overlooking The R&A Clubhouse and the links.
Financial support for the project has been encouraging with grant-awarding bodies and individuals making generous pledges to allow the project to progress to this stage.
Speaking today, Chair of the Tom Morris Statue Project Ronald Sandford said, ‘This is now the opportunity for golfers from all parts of the world to be a part of this long awaited, historic tribute to the Grand Old Man of Golf to whom we all owe so much today.’
The project costs are estimated to be just over £100,000 and it is hoped the statue will be unveiled on Wednesday 2nd October on the eve of the Dunhill.
A gofundme page has been set up at https://gofund.me/2227ff2d
Alternatively, anyone who wishes to make a donation may do so via bank transfer to
Bank of Scotland,
Account Holder The Old Tom Statue Project,
Account Number 26212960 Sort Code 80-22-60.
IBAN/SWIFT GB97BAOFS8022602612960 LOYDGB2L
(The IBAN maybe necessary for donations from overseas)
Ronald added, “This global initiative welcoming donations is very much in tune with the collective response in 1909 when townsfolk and people much further afield, raised the sum of £600 to fund a statue of Tom Morris to be erected in the town or near his beloved Links. It is unclear why, as reported in The Citizen in 1910, this statue became the medallion on the west edifice of the R&A below the clock. This is our chance to deliver on that 100-year ambition of a statue to the legendary Tom Morris.”
The Old Tom Statue Project Group (OTSPG)is a group of St Andrews locals who wish to see Tom Morris recognised in his hometown. The group includes Ronald Sandford (Chair), David Sandford, sculptor David Annand, Callum MacLoed, David Strachan, Athole Reid, Chic Harper, Allan Peden and Roger McStravick.
