World’s oldest golf shop name change defended

The R&A and St Andrews Links Trust has defended a controversial decision to rename the world’s oldest golf shop.

A descendant of Old Tom Morris, the man dubbed the father of golf, described the decision to rebrand the shop named after his great-great-grandfather as an “insult”.

Andrew Rusack, who as well as being a relation of Morris is also the greatgrandson of Wilhelm Rusack who built Rusacks Hotel, has waded into the debate.

Mr Rusack, 64, whose great-uncle married Agnes Bayne Hunter, Morris’s granddaughter, said: “I’m really disappointed. The name Tom Morris is so important to everyone in the golfing world. He was the father of golf.

“I am horrified at the links trust decision to change the name which has been above the shop since 1866.”

St Andrews Links Trust, which took over the shop in 2010, and governing body The R&A, said efforts had been made to preserve Morris’s legacy.

The two entered a retail partnership and changed the name of the premises to The Open in a move to capitalise on The Open Championship.

The R&A said revenue would contribute to the development of golf around the world, with £200 million being invested over the next decade.

A spokesman for The R&A said: “We are planning a special tribute in honour of Tom’s legacy at the shop’s official opening and his locker, workbench and fireplace retain pride of place in the premises.”

It is understood a plaque will be unveiled as part of the tributes to Morris.

A spokesman for St Andrews Links Trust said: “We have long recognised the importance of the Morris name, synonymous with the world’s most famous links and the game of golf itself.”

He added: “We are proud of the work we have undertaken and look forward to celebrating Tom’s legacy for many years to come.”

Picture: Steven Brown. The shop is now called The Open.