The 2014 Ryder Cup will be held at Gleneagles from September 26 to 28, it has been announced.

The tournament, which sees Europe go head-to-head with the United States, will take place in Scotland for the second time, with Muirfield hosting in 1973.

Europe are the current holders, having won at Celtic Manor in Wales last year. The 2012 tournament will be held in America at the Medinah Country Club near Chicago.

Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, welcomed the announcement of the dates and says the 2014 match will be a spectacle.

“As the home of golf, Scotland is well placed to host the best Ryder Cup in the competition's history when it arrives at Gleneagles in 2014,” he said.

“The arrangements for this spectacular event are well under way and I am delighted to announce today that the 2014 event will be held over the weekend of September 26-28.

“I am also delighted to have seen for myself today the many exciting changes that are being made to improve this already outstanding golf course.

“As well as the hi-tech efforts to reduce water on the greens, the Ryder Cup teams can expect many of the changes - proposed by Jack Nicklaus - to provide a sterner test as they seek glory during the competition.”