The bridge spans the Swilcan Burn between the first and eighteenth fairways on the Old Course, and has become an important image in the sport of golf.

Originally built at least 700 years ago to help shepherds get livestock across, it has the modern photographic advantage of great backdrops on three sides: the course's grand Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and Hamilton Grand on one, often a packed grandstand of enthusiasts on another, and rolling hills facing toward the North Sea, on the third.

This was addressed by frequent returfing or reseeding of the area, and experimenting with artificial turf, but the problem remained.

For example, in early July 2010 at The Open Championship Tom Watson was photographed kissing the bridge.

[4] At the 2005 Open Championship, Jack Nicklaus gave his final farewell to professional golf while standing on the bridge.