Ryan Dunn

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

American WAGs: The wives and partners of the United States Ryder Cup team, including Corey Pavin's wife Lisa (fourth from left) and Hunter Mahan's fiancee Kandi (sixth from left), pose at the 2010 Ryder Cup Dinner at Cardiff Castle

It was their first chance to put on a show in Cardiff and, boy, did America's golf birdies come out swinging.

The wives and girlfriends of the USA's Ryder Cup team were certainly dressed to the nines for the opening official function, a dinner at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

They joined guest of honour Prince Charles at the event as well as Tiger Woods, who braved the event despite being one of the few bachelors on the golfing set.
But the European WAGs had no intention of being outdone.

Rival birdies: The European WAGs, including Colin Montgomerie's wife Gaynor (fourth from left) also put on a stylish show

Say cheese! The European and United States Ryder Cup teams and WAGs also posed for an official photograph with Prince Charles

Gaynor Montgomerie, who is the wife of Europe's team captain Colin, led the local contingent in a daring plunge-neck pink satin dress.

The stylish Scot hosted the event as part of her role as 'Lady Captain', and has already been praised for being both gracious and welcoming towards the rivals.

Her dedication to her duty on the tour is all the more impressive given the fact her husband's behaviour hasn't always been up to par.

In fact, Colin confessed to an affair with an old flame not long after they married in 2008.

Glam squad: The American WAGs were led by Lisa Pavin, who is the wife of the team's captain Corey, and Hunter Mahan's fiancee, Kandi Harris, who used to be a cheerleader

All American girls: Lisa recently posed for the cover of Avid Golfer, while Kandi used to perform for the Dallas Cowboys

While he admitted it up the relationship under 'considerable strain', she has shown dignified support and happily posed with him for a couple's portrait during the dinner.

The American WAGs were led by Lisa Pavin, who is the wife of the team's captain Corey.

Known as 'The Captainess', the 36-year-old made sure she stood out from the crowd in a bold red dress.

Hunter Mahan's fiancee, Kandi Harris, turns a few heads, too. She's a former cheerleader, who tonight swapped pom poms for an electric blue ball gown.

Stand by your man: Team Europe's Colin Montgomerie with wife Gaynor, Lee Westwood with wife Laurae and Martin Kaymer with partner Allison Michelett

When in doubt, wear black: Europe's Rory McIlroy with his partner Holly Sweeney, Thomas Bjorn with his wife Pernilla and Peter Hanson with his wife Sanna

Harris is a 24-year-old blonde used to perform for American Football giants the Dallas Cowboys.

Hunter and Kandi met in December through a mutual friend and quickly became engaged. The are set to wed in January.

When asked about their whirlwind romance, Hunter has said: 'People say when you know, you know. I'm always like, that's crazy talk.

'But we had a great connection. She's just the best. I mean, she just brings out the best in me, so that's all I can ask for.'

Lisa Pavin is very comfortable taking centre stage too and recently raised a few eyebrows in the conservative golf world with a very racy appearance on the cover of Avid Golfer magazine.

One for the family album! Eurpoe's Luke Donald and wife Diane even took along their daughter Elle

Time to bring out the props! Europe's Miguel Angel Jimenez and partner Marian Jimenez posed on a plush chair, as did Martin Kaymer and partner Allison Micheletti

Time to shine: Europe's Edoardo Molinari with his partner Anna Roscio, Ross Fisher with his wife Jo and bachelors Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell teamed up for a laugh

With just a red, white and blue flag to save her modesty, she is seen striking a seductive pose for the shoot.

The couple shrugged off critics, with Corey saying: 'A lot has been said about that photograph, but I thought it was done in great taste.

'I thought it was a beautiful picture. She's a beautiful woman and I'm lucky to have her.'

Lisa, who is 50-year-old Corey's second wife, has proved herself to be equally supportive - and protective - of her husband too.

In fact, the outspoken WAG, who moved to the US from Vietnam as a young child, has ruffled a few feathers with her fiery approach.

Flying solo: Tiger Woods attended the event without a female companion

It's Mrs America! The group made a grand entrance down a staircase

Now it's out turn! The Europeans took time to soak up their moment in the spotlight

She had a Twitter battle with the Sports Illustrated writer Alan Shipnuck, who was once critical of Corey in the Nineties, tweeting: 'No wonder the Tour calls him Shipwreck.'

She also spoke out during a public row between her husband and Golf Channel reporter Jim Gray over a comment made about Tiger Woods.
Her involvement in her husband's career has been described in one press profile as 'unhinged' after she said this year: 'I want to win the Cup more than anything.'

On another occasion, she said: 'When the Ryder Cup is over, I want the PGA of America to remember the positive ideas and inputs and, hopefully, they have something to remember me by.'