
Barack Obama could not resist a spot of golf in the Scottish sunshine during his first ever visit to the country.

Security was ramped up for the popular former president's round at the world famous St Andrews course, in Fife, with snipers lining the roof of the famous clubhouse.

But the golf fanatic remained in high spirits, shaking hands with starstruck spectators and visiting a snack van where he was introduced to the nation's favourite drink, Irn Bru.

He may have caused some outrage among patriotic Scots by instead taking to the fairway with a bottle of Lipton Ice Tea.

After his round Obama, 55, spoke to business leaders in Edinburgh at a £5,000-a-table charity dinner organised by philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter, who praised the former leader's golf skills.

Former President Barack Obama enjoyed a spot of golf at the world famous St Andrews during his first ever visit to Scotland

Obama, 55, who touched down on Friday, later spoke to business leaders in Edinburgh at a £5,000-a-table charity dinner

Obama shook hands with locals and visited a snack van where he was seen being introduced to the country's favourite soft drink, Irn Bru

The former president, who served eight years in office, may have caused some outrage when he was instead seen out on the course with a bottle of Lipton Ice Tea

Security was ramped up for the popular former president's round at the iconic course in in Fife, with snipers lining the roofs of its clubhouse

The former president, seen leaping across the pristine green, appeared to be in excellent spirits despite the added security during his visit

Obama was a well-known golf fanatic during his time in office, playing a total of 306 rounds in the eight years he led the country, and was spotted playing in Tuscany only last weekend.

In Fife, the former president's caddy reassured him that there was 'no pressure' before teeing off the third.

'Going by those shots I shouldn't feel any pressure,' a confident Mr Obama said before mishitting off the tee, when he admitted: 'Oh, that wasn't so pretty.'

After a dip in form on the third, Mr Obama wandered over to the crowd who had been following him keenly around the course.

He shook hands with locals and asked them how they were doing before heading back to his round.

One person lucky enough to meet him was St Andrews student Danielle Clark Bryan, 26, who boasted: 'I was the first person to shake his hand.

'He came over and said, "How's everyone, let's shake some hands", I happened to be in his eye line and I asked how he was but he didn't respond.

'You can hear him joking with his friends, it sounds like he's having a really good time.'

Obama was a well-known golf fanatic during his time in office, playing a total of 306 rounds in the eight years he led the country

Before his 18 holes in Fife, the former president's caddy reassured him that there was 'no pressure' before teeing off the third

'Going by those shots I shouldn't feel any pressure,' a confident Mr Obama said before mishitting off the tee on the third

After finishing his round at The Old Course, which was not closed off to other players, Obama posed for a photo with Sir Tom Hunter who organised the charity dinner he is to speak at

Sir Tom was very complimentary about the president's golfing skills, saying : 'He played great, I don't play golf so I was simply doing the drinks and driving the buggy, but it was great fun'

Former US president Barack Obama tees off at the first hole at St Andrews Golf Club, near Dundee, whose security was ramped up due to his visit

Sir Tom said he has wanted to get president Obama to visit Scotland ever since he saw his inauguration in 2009

Former US president Barack Obama speaks with Sir Tom Hunter (pictured wearing black) as they move to the next hole at St Andrews Golf Club, near Dundee

After the third hole, Mr Obama wandered over to the crowd who had been following him keenly around the course

He shook hands with locals and asked them how they were doing before heading back to his round.

One person lucky enough to meet him was St Andrews student Danielle Clark Bryan, 26, who boasted: 'I was the first person to shake his hand.

'He came over and said, "How's everyone, let's shake some hands", I happened to be in his eye line and I asked how he was but he didn't respond,' said Danielle after speaking to the beloved politician

Danielle said you could hear Obama, 55, joking with his friends, adding: 'It sounds like he's having a really good time'

Obama also spoke with 11-year-old Joseph Lynch, who said: 'It was brilliant. He asked what was my name, how old I was and told me that I was a good looking guy.

'Apart from missing a shot a couple of minutes ago, he seems quite good at golf.'

Marcus Tannerbaurer, 26, also a St Andrews student, was impressed with his golfing skills.

He said: 'We shook his hand he seemed really nice. I'm not one to judge anyway because I'm not very good but he seems pretty good.'

After finishing his round at The Old Course, which was not closed off to other players, Obama posed for a photo with Sir Tom who was complimentary about his round.

Sir Tom said : 'He played great, I don't play golf so I was simply doing the drinks and driving the buggy, but it was great fun.

'That was the very first time I've met him, he was very cool. There was a lot of interest [in St Andrews] but he was pretty relaxed and spoke to everybody.

'Who wouldn't enjoy Scotland on a day like this? It's brilliant to have him here. I'm not really someone who gets too excited but today, this is an exciting one for sure.

Sir Tom said he has wanted to get president Obama to visit Scotland ever since he saw his inauguration in 2009.

Ever the charismatic statesman, Obama took a moment to acknowledge the waving crowds

Obama took a moment off to greet watching crowds

He even said hello to a passing baby, but the wee lad looks unimpressed

Locals were stunned at having the chance to meet the former US president

Even in his 'retirement' it seems that Obama can't shake his campaigner mindset

It wasn't a trickle of visitors either, Obama was greeted to a rock star welcome at the Scottish golf course

St Andrews student Marcus Tannerbaurer, 26, said that Obama seemed 'quite good' at golf

No pressure Barack: The crowd look on expectantly as Obama plays the green

Obama is due to head to a charity dinner in Edinburgh tonight, where the proceeds will be split between The Obama Foundation and local charities for children

'It was a rainy day in Scotland and I was just blown away by his speech and his message of hope,' said Sir Tom. 'I just thought it would be great to have him in Scotland.

'After he left office in January we made the invitation. Former US ambassador to Britain Matthew Barzun, who I'd become friendly with, was very helpful in making the right connections.

Obama arrived at Edinburgh Airport on Friday morning before heading to the course. He later addressed business leaders and take part in a Q&A at the charity dinner organised by Sir Tom.

A crowd lined the street amid a large police presence outside the Edinburgh International Conference Centre to try and catch a glimpse of Mr Obama at the charity event but it is thought he arrived by a back entrance.

Those in attendance at the dinner included Scottish political leaders Nicola Sturgeon, Ruth Davidson and Kezia Dugdale, as well as sports star Dame Katherine Grainger, RBS boss Ross McEwan and businessman Sir Ian Wood.

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

Singer Annie Lennox, rock band Texas and comedian Kevin Bridges will provide entertainment and Mila Stricevic, 13, from Glasgow will read a poem after winning a school competition.

Even in retirement the former US president still traveled with a substantial security detail

While Donald Trump might have his own golf course, its clear which of the two most Scots would rather tee off with

Security was tight in Edinburgh as police step up resources around major events in the wake of the Manchester bombing that killed 22 people on Monday. Obama's motorcade seen here

The politician, looking casual in a shirt and sunglasses, appeared to be in great spirits as he touched down despite the security threat

Mr Obama posted a heartfelt tribute to the city of Manchester just hours ahead of his Edinburgh visit

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

Mr Obama posted a heartfelt tribute to the city of Manchester just hours ahead of his arrival in Edinburgh.

In a tweet to his 88million followers, the politician said that his 'thought and prayers' were with the people of Manchester and those affected by the blast.

Obama wrote: 'Through faith, love, and resolve the character of the people of Manchester has shown itself. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.'

The visit went ahead despite plans that it could be cancelled amid fears another terror attack is imminent.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said officers were looking at whether the visit could go ahead as planned following the Manchester suicide bombing.

She said: 'Police Scotland is carrying out a review of all major events, including the one involving President Obama.

Tickets for tables of 10 at this evening's dinner quickly sold out

He carried his own bag as he deplaned from the private jet

The visit went ahead despite plans that it could be cancelled amid fears another terror attack is imminent

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

'Obviously, additional security will be provided by Police Scotland for a visit of such a nature and involving somebody in his position.

'I am not anticipating anything other than the event going ahead, but I make it very clear that the police are reviewing all these events, and that will lead to their making decisions on them.'

Other 'major events' including the Edinburgh Marathon - due to take place on Sunday - and sports matches are also being reviewed, with security dramatically tightened.