Barack Obama Tees Off At Home Of Golf On First Visit To Scotland

26 May 2017, 12:07 | Updated: 26 May 2017, 13:07

Barack Obama Golf Scotland

Barack Obama has teed off his first visit to Scotland with a round of golf in St Andrews.

The former US president will be in Edinburgh this evening to give a speech for The Hunter Foundation.

However, Mr Obama, who is well-known for his love of the sport, could not resist being in the country without having a round at the world-famous home of golf in Fife.

The former president's caddy reassured him that there was "no pressure, sir'' before teeing off the third.

Obama, who was hitting last, said: "Well, going by those shots I shouldn't feel any pressure.''

After his shot, he said: "Oh, that wasn't so pretty.''

Mr Obama took time after the third hole to wander over to the crowd who had been following him round the course.

He shook hands with people and asked them how they were doing before heading back to play golf.

The Democrat had earlier touched down at Edinburgh Airport on Friday morning, according to reports, before heading to the course.

He will later return to the Scottish capital for the charity dinner.

Mr Obama, who served eight years in the White House, will address business leaders and take part in a Q&A at the evening event organised by The Hunter Foundation, set up by entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter.

Tickets for tables of 10 went on sale from about £5,000 and quickly sold out.

Profits are to be split between children's charities in Scotland and the Obama Foundation, set up by the former president and his wife Michelle.

Security is expected to be tight in Edinburgh as police step up resources around major events in the wake of the Manchester bombing.

Singer Annie Lennox, rock band Texas and comedian Kevin Bridges will provide entertainment at the event and young people will also be involved, with 13-year-old Mila Stricevic from Glasgow to read a poem on the night after winning a schools competition.

Auction prizes on the night include two walk-on parts in the next Fantastic Beasts film from the Harry Potter franchise and the naming rights to the Gleneagles Hotel American bar.

The Hunter Foundation has previously arranged for US politicians and actors, including Bill Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney, to come to Scotland.

Announcing the visit in April, Sir Tom said: ''From the south side of Chicago to the White House has been an epic, historic journey and it will be a true honour to hear that story from the man who made that journey.

''We are both truly proud and delighted to be hosting the 44th president of the United States in Scotland at this event.''