FANS en route to the Ryder Cup will be able catch up on pre-match news and share social media chat to and from the tournament via a network of wi-fi hotspots and mobile connections.

Golf stars and the 250,000 expected at Gleneagles in Perthsire next month will also have a connectivity boost at the course with enhanced 4G and 3G.

A £130,000 Scottish Government grant is to be used to install free wi-fi at park and ride sites in Stirling, Perth and Balado, where large screens will be set up, and will provide on-board connectivity on buses transporting golf fans to Gleneagles.

Cabinet Secretary for Sport Shona Robison said the investment would create "one of Scotland's best ever event experiences for smartphone and tablet users".

Spectators on the park and ride route to Gleneagles can expect to be connected through an estimated 95 per cent of their journey

They will also receive a radio wristband with their tickets that they can use to take part in activities and share their experience via social media.

The Cabinet Secretary said the move would help "build on the fantastic atmosphere and experience expected at Gleneagles".

Antonia Beggs, operations director for Ryder Cup, said: "For many, the Ryder Cup experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity and the excitement starts before a ball is even struck."

The connection boost would "allow fans and visitors to share that sense of anticipation," she added.