Scots drive to host Ryder Cup

Hosting the tournament would generate over £70m

Scotland's top golfers gathered at Loch Lomond to join the fight to bring the 2009 Ryder Cup to a course north of the Border.

Nine of the country's leading professionals joined First Minister Henry McLeish in the bid, which would be staged at one of the country's four main courses, Loch Lomond itself, Gleneagles, Turnberry or Carnoustie.

The first minister has already been promoting golf this year as a major tourist attraction.

Bringing the Europe versus United States Ryder Cup competition to Scotland in 2009 is now receiving the public backing of the country's leading professionals.

Wales and England are also contesting the battle to host the tournament, with a decision on the preferred bidder likely to be made by autumn this year.

Henry McLeish: Hopes to be laughing if Scotland's bid is approved

Top players joined Mr McLeish for a photo-opportunity at Loch Lomond on Tuesday.

The first minister sees the tournament as an ideal opportunity to boost Scotland's economy.

The Ryder Cup would be expected to inject an extra £70m into the economy with an audience of 500 million television viewers from across the world.

Last year, the then Sports Minister, Sam Galbraith, said Scotland was "the home of golf" and offered an excellent setting for the tournament.

He said: "We believe the finished product gives Scotland the best chance of winning the right to host the 2009 event."

The Scottish Executive and its public sector partners such as The Scottish Tourist Board, Scottish Enterprise and sportscotland have earmarked £24m for the development and promotion of golf over the next decade.