INVERCLYDE was the star of the show when a US film crew putted their way into town yesterday.

A wacky TV presenter - who plans to hit a golf ball across Scotland from Greenock to St Andrews - began his epic journey for CBS Breakfast News at Lyle Hill in Greenock.

Emmy-award winning presenter Phil Keoghan, the host of The Amazing Race, filmed a piece that will be shown to millions of viewers of the news programme when he has completed his trek.

The walk is more than 100 miles long and Provost Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Tourist Group and Inverclyde Juvenile Pipe Band were there to welcome him to Inverclyde and wave him off on his challenge.

Phil said: 'The whole scene we filmed at Lyle Hill was just fabulous, I don"t think I will ever forget that. It was a beautiful backdrop.

'I always say a place is defined by its people and we have met some amazing people here today. We have been made very welcome.

'There are so many people in the States who have Scottish roots and so many people left from here to go over to America.

'It was practical reasons that we initially picked Greenock to start, but we also did a lot of research into the history. I thought this was a great way to meet people.' Provost McCormick said: 'I do not envy Phil"s golf challenge but I am really delighted he chose to start here in Inverclyde.

'It is good he started at the top of the Lyle Hill because he has been able to hit it down the hill, which will get him off to a gentle start.

'We have presented him with a set of scorecards and an Inverclyde umbrella, but I am sure he will not need it as it does not often rain in Scotland.' The provost played a starring role in the first section of Phil"s documentary and was interviewed by the eccentric New Zealander.

The walk will take them four days and they will end up in St Andrews, the home of golf.