Tiger Woods’ new sports bar in St Andrews has moved a step closer.

The 15-time major champion faced a backlash from angry residents last year when it was revealed that T-Squared Social – Woods’ joint venture with music star Justin Timberlake – would be opened in the New Picture House cinema on North Street, just minutes from the Old Course.

But while unveiling the plans, Woods, a two-time Open champion in the Home of Golf, said he “wanted to bring the concept to St Andrews to add to the local community” as well as being a “welcoming place” for locals and visitors alike, while Timberlake, who has previously competed in the Dunhill Links Championship, said he is “honoured to be able to invest in the town”.

Critically for T-Squared Social, which has had huge success with its other venue in New York, it has Fife Council’s approval and has received a licence to sell alcohol.

A statement from the council said “the proposal is considered acceptable in terms of design, detailing and choice of materials” and that T-Squared Social “would protect and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area”.

T-Squared Social has been a huge success in New York.

Planning permission was granted last month, and the cinema will close in September in preparation for work to begin before the end of the year with a target of opening ahead of the 2025 summer season.

The bar will feature “elevated cuisine and craft cocktails”, state-of-the-art golf simulators, duckpin bowling, darts, and large-screen televisions for sporting events, while also retaining two of the cinema screens.

Christopher Anand, managing partner for T-Squared Social, said: “We are delighted to be announcing our intention to commence works later this year on this exciting new entertainment concept including the cinema. It will ensure that a cinema offering can remain in the town for this and for generations to come.

“As we progress with the construction works we look forward to continuing to engage with the local community and council on our ongoing activity.”

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David Morris, the managing director for New Picture House will be staying on to oversee the project.

“While inevitably the cinema has had to close to make way for the forthcoming renovation,” he said, “this is an exciting time for both the cinema and for St Andrews.

“I cannot wait to open to doors of this new entertainment offering to the community, ensuring the continuation of an economically viable cinema for the town.”