AS Europe clinched the point needed to retain the Ryder Cup, Scotland's First Minister was in the back of a stand on the golf course, preparing for his role in the closing ceremony.

And when Francesco Molinari, of ltaly, halved his match with Tiger Woods to ensure an outright European victory, Alex Salmond was busy making his way through the crowds to receive the silver putter, denoting Scotland's hosting of the event in 2014.

He may have missed actually witnessing the crucial putts but he was well aware from the reaction of the crowds as to what was happening on the course.

An aide to the First Minister explained: "Mr Salmond was in the back of the Gleneagles stand on the course, preparing for taking part in the closing ceremony.

"He was watching on television and listening to the crowd outside – the broadcasting time delay meaning he could hear Europe had won even before the final putt was sunk on TV.

"The First Minister then walked through the crowds on the course to make his way to the stage area for the closing ceremony. Golf fans from both sides congratulated him on the European victory, with a sea of Saltires and European flags filling the ceremony area.

"While he was on stage the First Minister had the opportunity to congratulate team captain Jose Maria Olazabal and his players." At the hand-over ceremony, Mr Salmond said: "Well done Chicago, and well done Medinah.

"Medinah is a great American course designed by a Scot. The Centenary Course at Gleneagles is a Scottish course designed by a great American – Mr Jack Nicklaus."

Last night he added: "This year's Ryder Cup has been an amazing spectacle for sports fans and anticipation couldn't be higher for Gleneagles 2014.

"Golf is coming home and the world will be watching us."