Golfer Tiger Woods has teamed up with singer Justin Timberlake to launch a gastro pub in St Andrews which has upset some of the town’s residents.

The pair are shareholders in Nexus Luxury Collection which is moving into the New Picture House cinema.

It is their second T-Squared Social, a premium sports and entertainment outlet which will be housed in the 90-year-old cinema close to the Old Course.

T-Squared Social will mix cuisine and craft cocktails with full swing simulators for golf and other interactive games. Its first venture launched in New York.

If the plans are approved by Fife council, the 90-year-old cinema will retain one screen. However, there has been opposition to the proposal.

Neil Dobson, a member of St Andrews community council, told The Courier that the plans to transform the cinema into a bar were “disrespectful” and “a bit cheeky”. He said: “This town has been very good to Tiger Woods and this is not the way to repay residents.

“St Andrews is unique and that building is iconic. An American bar is completely out of keeping.”

David Morris, the managing director of the New Picture House, said the plans for the venue would secure its long-term future and provide greater job opportunities. 

Christopher Anand, chief executive and managing partner at Nexus Luxury Collection, said: “We are very excited about coming to St. Andrews.

“Tiger and Justin, along with our executive team and partners, are all passionate about the game of golf and revere St. Andrews. It is an honour to bring this investment and the T-Squared Social experience to the home of golf.”

Woods said: “I have been fortunate enough to enjoy many special moments here at St. Andrews.

“We all wanted to bring our T-Squared Social concept here to add to the local community and be a welcoming place for those living in St. Andrews and for visitors alike.”

Timberlake added: “I’ve come to St Andrews many times to play golf. I’m honored to be able to invest in the town and bring our second T-Squared Social here.

“Our new venue is so much more than a typical sports bar experience – it’s a place you can go to be entertained without sacrificing quality or comfort.”