Golfer banned for dangerous St Andrews trickshot onto the Old Course

A brazen golfer has been slammed by St Andrews Links for a daring trick shot from a nearby street, aiming for the legendary 18th green of the Old Course.

Footage emerged on Friday showing the audacious golfer taking a swing from the firm pavement at the junction of Golf Place and North Street, which leads directly to the Old Course. The man is captured attempting to loft his ball over a line of shops, targeting the 18th green.

Before taking the shot, the golfer is heard boasting, "Gonna hook it," while an accomplice filming encourages with a "Go for it."

He then launches into the risky stroke towards the historic Open Championship location and dashes off to track the trajectory of his ball.

The camera captures the ball as it comes to rest just beyond the green on the St Andrews Links grounds. Delighted with his performance, the golfer points out his ball's position, exclaiming: "'Just over the back, just over the back!"

He then strides towards the clubhouse, intent on retrieving his golf ball. The clip, which has since spread like wildfire across social media platforms, has drawn sharp criticism from the golf club, branding the golfer's stunt 'irresponsible' and 'reckless', and urging others not to imitate such behaviour.

In a stern rebuke issued by Bunkered on Saturday, the club stated: "This is an irresponsible and reckless act which shows disregard for the safety of both public and property," adding that such antics are unwelcome at the Home of Golf and strongly advising against any copycat attempts.

The golfer in question, Wyatt Messmer, later took to social media to update his bio with the statement: 'Banned from St Andrews because I hit a controversial golf shot.'

The audacious and clearly dangerous shot sparked outrage on social media. One X (formerly Twitter) user expressed their disgust, tweeting: "Shocking behaviour eh should be a life ban."

They weren't alone in their condemnation, as another chimed in with: "Shocking. What if someone was on the green and the ball hit them. Zero respect for golf in general."

Another user weighed in, saying: "This should be banned before someone gets injured."

Among the voices of disapproval was Craig Connelly, the caddie for two-time major winner Martin Kaymer. The Scot didn't hold back, stating: "Such a stupid thing to do! " and adding "Lucky it wasn't Glasgow... he'd get a right do'in! ".

Yet, not everyone was critical; some golf enthusiasts were actually wowed by the shot. An X user praised the sound of the strike, tweeting: "Sounded pure that."

Another admirer focused on the technical aspect, remarking: "Gotta be honest, that was pure off the sidewalk, all things considered."