The partnerships have been formed with help from Scotlandwhisky, a public-private sector initiative which aims to maximise economic benefits from Scotch Whisky tourism.

According to The Scotch Whisky industry review 2006, of the more than one million people that visit a distillery each year, 395,000 of them visited a Perthshire distillery (37%).

Chris Conway, manager of Scotlandwhisky, said: 'There is much synergy between the average golf enthusiast and whisky drinker and so it seemed an obvious marriage to pull together tourism packages which offer access to some of our leading distillery visitor attractions as well as access to some of our best inland golf courses.

'Scotland is internationally recognised as the worldwide home of golf and the worldwide home of whisky and with the Open being held in Scotland again this year, we are sure that this will prove an attractive option to the thousands of visitors that the event is likely to draw.'

In a recent announcement The Royal & Ancient (R&A) predicted a massive £ 200 million boost for the Scottish economy from the Open which will be staged in Scotland three times between 2007 and 2010: at Carnoustie in 2007, Turnberry in 2009 and St Andrews in 2010.

Jane Grimley of Dewar's World of Whisky, said: 'Dewar's World of Whisky is delighted to be a whisky partner with other distilleries as part of Highland Perthshire golf promotion. With 40% of our visitors coming from abroad, this is a great opportunity to offer them not only a taste of Dewars but also a taste of what Highland Perthshire has to offer the golfing enthusiast. Whisky tourists make a significant contribution to Perthshire economy so a promotion bringing the nation's favourite drink and top sport together can only be good for the area.'

Micheal Beamish, director at Tullibardine Distillery, 'We see golf and whisky as naturally compatible and as such Tullibardine distillery fully supports this initiative to encourage visiting golfers to visit our distillery and sample our malt whiskies.'

Beth McMillan of The Famous Grouse Experience in Crieff, said: ''Picture it. The sun is setting over the rolling Perthshire hills. You are lingering over an exceptional glass of whisky and are reminiscing about your finest round of golf ever. The stuff dreams are made of??

'Well now it's a reality, and The Famous Grouse Experience in Crieff, at Scotland's oldest distillery, Glenturret, is delighted to be part of this joint promotion with the Perthshire Green Card. It is a great way for Perthshire distilleries to bring together two of Scotland's finest creations - golf and whisky. One of Scotland?s best known secrets!''

Jill Scougall of Blair Athol Distillery, said: 'Blair Athol Distillery are delighted to be working in partnership with some of the finest golf courses in Perthshire. What better way to capture the true 'Spirit' of a nation, whisky and Golf - need we say more.

The Perthshire Greencard offers discounted golf on 19 of Perthshire's 18-hole venues and is available at £ 85 for 5 rounds and £ 55 for 3 rounds. Green Cards have the added advantage that they are valid for play throughout the season of purchase and can be used at the following courses:

Aberfeldy, Alyth (1894), Alyth - Glenisla, Alyth - Strathmore, Auchterarder; Blairgowrie - Lansdowne, Crieff - Ferntower, Culcrieff Course at Crieff Hydro, Dunkeld & Birnam, Kenmore - Taymouth Castle, Kinross - Montgomery Course, Kinross - Bruce Course, Muckhart, Perth - Craigie Hill, Perth - King James VI, Perth - Murrayshall Championship, Perth - Murrayshall Lynedoch, Pitlochry, and Whitemoss

The Perthshire Highlands Golf Ticket can be used on 11 superb 9-hole layouts. This pass offers days (i.e. up to 27 holes per course per day) and represents fantastic value at £ 55 for 5 days and £ 35 for 3 days.

Highlands Golf Tickets are valid for play throughout the season of purchase and can be used at the following courses: Alyth - Leitfie Links, Blair Atholl, Comrie, Crieff - Dornock, Glenshee - Dalmunzie, Kenmore, Killin, Milnathort, Muthill, St Fillians, Strathtay.

From mid March both tickets will also offer an exclusive 25% discount on attraction tickets for the Famous grouse Experience, Dewar's World of Whisky, Tullibardine and Blair Athol distilleries.

www.scotlandwhisky.com

ScotlandWhisky is supported by:

Highlands and Islands Enterprise

The Scotch Whisky Association

The Scotch Whisky Experience

Scottish Enterprise

VisitScotland