Fans of pop superstar Justin Timberlake were given a treat by the singer when he turned up at Carnoustie for a round of golf.

Fans of pop superstar Justin Timberlake were given a sporting treat by the singer when he turned up at Carnoustie's world-famous course for a round of golf.

The American singer had tried to organise a secret game at this year's Open venue during a family holiday.

But he was spotted on the first tee at around 2pm on Sunday and soon the town's pop fans and autograph-hunters were descending on the public course for a peek at their hero.

Timberlake, a self-confessed golf fanatic who plays off a handicap of six, constantly had to interrupt his game to greet fans on the fairways. And he was mobbed by autograph hunters as he left the famous course at the completion of his four-ball game with friends.

Fans were delighted as the 26-year-old former beau of Cameron Diaz and Britney Spears stopped to chat, sign their notepads and pose for pictures.

One fan, 15-year-old Sandi Drummond from Carnoustie, said: "My brother told us Justin was playing golf so we came down to see him. We're all big fans and I couldn't believe just how nice he was - he signed autographs, posed for a picture and chatted with us."

Another fan, 12-year-old Austin Bruce, caught up with him at the third hole to get his picture taken with him. He said: "He was happy to pose with us for a picture and speak to us. Justin's such a nice guy and a good golfer."

Timberlake was understood to be staying at the Carnoustie Golf Hotel on a family holiday.

A spokeswoman for the Carnoustie Links Management said: "He played here on Sunday but we treated him like any other player. With it being a public course, there was no way of keeping fans away from them like you could at a private course.

"So as soon as he was spotted at the first tee then lots of young girls and kids came down to see him. But I suppose someone in his position is used to that and I am sure he enjoyed his time at Carnoustie."

The multi-millionaire, famed for hits like Cry Me A River and SexyBack, is a member of Sherwood Golf Club in Los Angeles.