With a rumbling of rotor blades and a palpable sense of anticipation, the Ryder Cup flew into Perthshire.
Arriving at the Gleneagles Hotel in style by helicopter, the prestigious trophy was chaperoned by golf ace Paul Lawrie.
The Scot, who played a critical role in helping Europe retain one of the sport’s top prizes, was met by guests and golf fans as he prepared to launch the countdown to the next Ryder Cup, which takes place in 2014 at the prestigious Gleneagles course.
Describing his task of delivering the Ryder Cup to its next venue as a ”privilege”, Lawrie revealed that it felt very much like he was taking it home.
”This is the home of golf and it somehow feels right to be taking the trophy and all it represents to Gleneagles,” he said.
”I have never experienced anything like that final day in Medinah, but being involved has spurred me on to hopefully play a part in Team Europe at Gleneagles 2014.
”It will be a really special event and I hope I can do enough to be in contention.”
This will be the first time since 1973 that the event has taken place in Scotland and, as a result, preparations are being taken very seriously.
The PGA Centenary golf course at Gleneagles underwent a major renovation, overseen by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, in October last year to ensure it surpassed competition standards.
Now open for play, it is hoped that the greens will attract more visitors to the area, not just for the Ryder Cup, but to allow amateur golfers the opportunity to say they have played on the same course as the likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and, of course, Lawrie.
With the Scottish economy set to benefit to the tune of £100 million, the team at Gleneagles have a lot resting on their shoulders.
Managing director Patrick Elsmie said: ”Having the Ryder Cup here is really about the opportunity to for us to make the most of this wonderful event for Scotland, for Perthshire and for Gleneagles.
”There is going to be an enormous economic benefit to the country and I am certain that the communities around the Ryder Cup will see that spill over into their well.
”Seeing the trophy here today brings home the fact that it’s Scotland’s turn next and that the countdown has begun.”
It is anticipated that the event will produce a £100 million boost to the Scottish economy, attracting around 250,000 spectators and a global television audience of more than half a billion households.