"Scotland the Home of Golf" is set to be premiered at this year's Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club in the USA.

The film will encourage visitors to come to Scotland in 2009 and jointhe country's homecoming celebrations at next year's Open Championshipsat Turnberry.

Homecoming 2009 has been organised to coincide with the 250thanniversary of poet Robert Burns' birth and aims to attract the ScotsDiaspora around the world to return home.

The Hollywood star made the announcement at Peterculter Golf Club in Aberdeen.

"I've been a lifelong supporter of golf and Burns, so to combine thetwo next year seems very appropriate," he said. "I look forwardenormously to promoting the film, which I'm sure will do justice toScotland's reputation as the home of golf."

First Minister Alex Salmond also used the opportunity to call for golfclubs across Scotland to open their courses up to the 'Drive it Home'initiative, which is set to be promoted as part of Homecoming Scotland2009.

The aim is for hundreds of Scotland's courses to offer a free four ball to overseas visitors during the Year of Homecoming.

Mr Salmond said: "It is fantastic that Sir Sean has decided to do thefilm. Steven Spielberg couldn't lure him out of retirement, butHomecoming obviously has."

Courtesy of Homecoming Scotland 2009