Just sit back and enjoy watching Barack Obama having a round of golf in Scotland

It seems the current US president isn’t the only one who enjoys a spot of golf in Scotland.

Donald Trump famously trod on locals’ toes when he built a golf course on the idyllic sand dunes of Aberdeenshire, and he has faced criticism over the amount of golf he has played since he won the presidency – but it was former president Barack Obama who was seen hitting a few holes on Friday.

“He played great, said philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter, who had invited Obama to Scotland to give a speech in front of politicians and business leaders at a charity dinner in Edinburgh. “I don’t play golf so I was simply doing the drinks and driving the buggy, but it was great fun.

“Who wouldn’t enjoy Scotland on a day like this? It’s brilliant to have him here.”

The Democrat arrived at Edinburgh Airport on Friday morning before heading to St Andrews. As he warmed up on the first tee his caddy reassured him there was “no pressure, sir” before his first shot.

Obama, who was hitting the ball last, said: “Well, going by those shots I shouldn’t feel any pressure.”

Despite heavy security, Obama shook hands with members of the public in St Andrews, who had come to get a glimpse of the former president.

Those in attendance at the dinner later in the day included Scottish political leaders Nicola Sturgeon, Ruth Davidson and Kezia Dugdale, as well as sports star Dame Katherine Grainger, RBS boss Ross McEwan and businessman Sir Ian Wood.

Organised by the Hunter Foundation, profits from the event – where tables started at £5,000 – are to be split between children’s charities in Scotland and the Obama Foundation, set up by the former president and his wife Michelle.

The Hunter Foundation has previously arranged for US politicians and actors, including Bill Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney, to come to Scotland.