RYDER Cup fever has hit Glasgow.

The historic trophy will today be on show at the Merchant Square and golf enthusiasts will be allowed to be photographed next to it ahead of the launch of a city fan zone. It will show live coverage of the historic clash between Europe and America at Gleneagles.

Thousands of fans with tickets for the tournament have booked nearly 7000 room nights at hotels across Glasgow, with marketing chiefs predicting more than £1million will be injected into the city's economy.

The famous cup will be on display today between 1pm and 4pm in the Merchant Square, which will also host the official fan zone.

It will have a giant screen and a Gleneagles course simulator to allow fans of all ages to test their golf skills.

The zone will operate from Friday to Sunday, September 26 to 28.

City council leader Gordon Matheson, who chairs Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: "Building on the success of the best-ever Commonwealth Games, this year's Ryder Cup gives Glasgow another opportunity to showcase the fantastic welcome that it extends to its visitors."

VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay added: "The Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup Gala Concert on September 24 show that Glasgow plays on the world stage and we'll be celebrating that today.

"People are getting into the spirit and are excited about the concert at the Hydro."

Richard Hills, Europe's Ryder Cup director said: "It's great that golf fans, youngsters and families will be able to get caught up in the magic."

gordon.thomson@eveningtimes.co.uk