Divots have been taken out of an American film called Golf In The Kingdom for its below par portrayal of golf in Fife.
The movie, which premiered in New York at the weekend, has been criticised because the title suggests it is based in Fife the kingdom when it was in fact filmed 4500 miles away in the state of Oregon.
Burningbush, the fictional course featured in the film, is depicted as a famous local golf club and is set on the coast beside a sandy beach.
However, the location used bears little resemblance to any Fife course, and at one point in the film the characters are even seen walking through a field of sheep.
David Middleton, from St Andrews Preservation Trust, said, “It’s kind of a modern version of Bing Crosbie and Bob Hope singing ‘Hoots, mon, out of my way, who do you think you are?’
“I suppose people do get ideas about Scotland, whether it’s from watching Braveheart or whatever. My guess is that a lot of depictions of Scotland are based on American myth. It would be good if they did a bit more research.
“Fortunately, St Andrews golf course is well known to golfers all over the world and any informed person will not be upset by it and it seems to be the case that any publicity is good publicity.”
Councillor Andrew Arbuckle was not impressed after watching the trailer online.
“I really would invite those who made the film to come over to St Andrews and see the real thing, and enjoy the hospitality that you get when you come to Scotland,” he said.
“I hope nobody who sees the film is put off by thinking that this is what St Andrews looks like.”
Mr Arbuckle said for many Americans visiting Scotland, St Andrews was the main attraction.
“When I was in America and told people I was from Scotland, the places they knew about were St Andrews and Edinburgh.”
The film stars British actors, including Malcolm McDowell, Frances Fisher, Joanne Whalley and David O’Hara, who appeared in Braveheart.
It is based on Michael Murphy’s 1972 novel, and scenes were filmed at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort on the north-west coast of the US.
According to the resort’s website, “Bandon Dunes is true to the spirit of Scotland’s ancient links. Here, players immerse themselves in the traditions of a timeless game and the grandeur of Oregon’s rugged coast.”
In an interview, author Mr Murphy praised the choice of location. He said, “It is ravishingly beautiful. When you see the film, it is just gorgeous.
“The courses themselves are staggering and they’re also photogenic.”
The film’s website states, “En route to India in 1956 in search of enlightenment, a young American philosophy student Michael Murphy-takes a Scottish detour to the Links of Burningbush.
“Seeking to enjoy one last round before giving up his beloved game, he is unexpectedly paired with the mysterious and mischievous golf pro Shivas Irons. A wild adventure on and off the links ensues, where Murphy’s perception of golf and life are indelibly changed.”Click here to vsit the film’s official website, which includes a trailer.