I am looking forward to this, it is very exciting for me. I have only seen it on television but I have played every one of these holes in my mind countless times.

Bill Clinton

Mr Clinton flew into St Andrews by helicopter on Monday morning to tee-off at the Royal and Ancient's Old Course in the town.

Before teeing-off at 1210BST, Mr Clinton spent ten minutes practising his putting before speaking to the assembled press and spectators.

Looking tanned and relaxed, he said he was jet-lagged after travelling all over the world as part of a gruelling speaking tour.

Mr Clinton showed off the handbook, entitled 'How to Play the Old Course' and priced three shillings, and said he was confident it would help him post a low score.

Countless times

He said: "I am not playing very well - I had about a 90 yesterday but I have been in eight countries in 12 days so I am glad just to be standing up.

"I am looking forward to this, it is very exciting for me. I have only seen it on television but I have played every one of these holes in my mind countless times."

Holding the handbook in his left hand, Mr Clinton said: "I've even got a 50-year old guide. My caddie is going to keep me out of the bunkers.

"Last year I was playing off 12 and now I am just starting to play again this year. I will be happy to break 90 but I will be trying to do better than that."

Mr Clinton plays off a 12 handicap

Mr Clinton also told how he was impressed when he first saw St Andrews from the sky as he arrived in his helicopter.

He said: "The pilot flew me around before we landed and it was wonderful."

Flanked by bodyguards Mr Clinton then made his way to the first tee, where around 200 spectators had gathered to watch him play his first shot.

Although he hooked his first shot to the left of the fairway, Mr Clinton looked happy as he made his way to play his second shot along with his playing partners for the day, Vin Gupta, Andy Andersen and Paul Kirkcaldy.

However the former president then proceeded to hit his second shot into the Swilken Burn.

Golfing trip

But after a penalty drop shot, Mr Clinton then chipped his ball to three feet from the hole and the putt was conceded for a five.

Alan McGregor, general manager of the St Andrews Links Trust, said that everyone at the course was pleased that Mr Clinton had decided to spend his day there.

Mr Clinton's visit to St Andrews comes a day after he arrived in Scotland for a golfing trip to round off his speaking tour.

On Sunday he played at the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club with three friends.