The executive wants to promote golf further

The 14-handicapper will be visiting the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond on Friday.

The event got under way on Thursday, but an early downpour led to a four-hour rain delay.

The first round was not due to be completed until Friday as half of the 156-strong field had yet to start by late afternoon.

A drive to promote Scotland to golfers was launched three years ago.

The Scottish Executive and tourist bosses want to raise the country's profile among the 50 million people who play the sport across the world.

Generate jobs

Mr McConnell said: "In Scotland we are lucky that we can boast many of the most spectacular and challenging courses anywhere, courses that can attract everyone from tournament stars to golf tourists.

"Many of us feel pride in our national game, but we can be more proud and use our pride to promote our country and generate more jobs and wealth, especially in rural Scotland.

"Scotland's direct air and ferry links to continental Europe and further afield are increasing all the time.