A NORTH Ayrshire diver has played a starring role in a promotion video screened to sports fans in the United States of America.

It all began when American broadcaster NBC Sports reached out to the North Ayrshire Divers group, the former Auchenharvie Sub Aqua Club, who are fond of, and familiar with, ventures below sea level.

The team at NBC were looking to see if the club had any members who would be keen in playing a role in their 'teaser' video, lined up to air prior to the Open Championship at Royal Troon.

Thankfully for the US television company, Phillip Ryan answered their call and took on the acting role.

The gig took Phillip to Prestwick Beach at 7am one morning prior to the major taking place.

There he took on the role of Tom Morris - known to golf fans the world over as 'Old Tom Morris' - one of the two men credited with beginning the championship back in 1860.

The teaser video was created to celebrate the Open coming back to where it all began in Ayrshire and Tom Morris's role in bringing it to life.

Phillip's services were required not so much for his acting prowess as to depict how Tom Morris began his daily routine, with a dip in the sea at Prestwick.

While the concept may seem strange, the North Ayrshire Divers shared the final product shortly after the conclusion of the Open - with the results very impressive.

They said: "Diving and golf, is there a connection?

"Well there is when NBC Sports America reach out to North Ayrshire Divers, looking for someone who was willing to go for a swim on Prestwick Beach acting the role of Old Tom Morris for a teaser for the Open championship.

"Fast forward to 7am on a cold day and our member Phillip Ryan in costume hair and makeup.

"The end result is definitely worth a watch."

Up till Monday the group's social media presence was generally more about sharing photos and reels of its underwater activities and the frequently striking plants and animals to be found below sea level.

To find out more about the group's activities - or at least those which don't involve starring in US sports networks' promotional films - check out the 'North Ayrshire Divers' page on Facebook.