Swilcan Bridge

A shepherds' bridge turned icon

The bridge was built to help shepherds move livestock across the burn and has stood in some form since at least the 15th century. It is only about nine metres long. Open champions and golf's great names have posed on it for a century; Jack Nicklaus waved goodbye to championship golf here at the 2005 Open, and Tom Watson kissed it in 2010.

Getting your photo

The Old Course is a working golf course, so on most days you can only admire the bridge from the edge while play continues. The best chance is a Sunday, when the course is almost always closed to golf and is used by locals as a park for walks and picnics. Keep off the greens and bunkers, and if you bring a dog, pick up after it.

Around the bridge

Rusacks and the R&A clubhouse look straight across the 18th, and the R&A World Golf Museum is a few minutes' walk. For a drink with a view of the 17th, the Jigger Inn by the Old Course Hotel is close by. Early on a Sunday morning is the quietest time.

Highlights

• Crosses the Swilcan Burn on the 1st and 18th
• At least several centuries old
• Jack Nicklaus' farewell spot, 2005
• Walkable on Sundays when the course rests

Good to know

• The Old Course is closed to golf on most Sundays and becomes a public park.
• On other days, watch from the edge and do not walk into play.
• Stay off greens and bunkers at all times.
• Dogs are walked on the course on Sundays; clear up after them.

Frequently asked questions