Justin Timberlake has announced that he will serve as the Team Ambassador for this year's US Ryder Cup golf team.

The actor and singer confirmed the news in a statement, which said the sport has been a "lifelong passion" of his.

The event, which sees teams of select players from Europe and the US go head-to-head, will take place this year in Illinois in late September.

Timberlake said he is "proud" at his appointment and expressed his delight at being given a role at such a prestigious event. He said:

"Golf has been a lifelong passion of mine – whether I'm out playing the game, working on the course at Mirimichi or sharing my love for the sport with others. There is no greater stage for the sport than the Ryder Cup, and I'm proud to be an ambassador for the U.S. Ryder Cup team and take part in such a time-honoured event. It's going to be a special week for golf fans around the world, me the most."