The cheerleader and the captain's cover girl wife... meet the Ryder Cup WAGs

Meet the American golf birdies giving Britain's football WAGs a run for their money. The wives and girlfriends of the USA's Ryder Cup team descended on Cardiff earlier this week as the players prepared to do battle with Europe at Celtic Manor.And they've bought their own brash brand of glamour with them.

The group is being lead by Lisa Pavin, who is the wife of the team's official captain Corey. The 36-year-old, who is happy to be referred to as the 'Captainess', is comfortable taking centre stage and Hunter Mahan's fiancee, Kandi Harris, turns a few heads, too. She's a former cheerleader.

Introducing America's golf WAGs: USA captain Corey Pavin's wife Lisa appeared on the cover of Avid Golfer while Hunter Mahan's fiancee, Kandi Harris, used to be a cheerleader

Go team! The former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader met the golfer in December and the pair are set to wed next year

She recently raised a few eyebrows in the conservative golf world with a very racy appearance on the cover of Avid Golfer magazine. 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. 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.'

Michelle Mell (partner of Paul Goydos), Melissa Lehman (wife of Tom Lehman), Lisa Pavin (wife of Corey Pavin), Robin Love (wife of Davis Love III), Angie Watson (wife of Bubba Watson), Back row (L-R) Kim Johnson (wife of Zach Johnson), Amanda Caulder (partner of Dustin Johnson), Tabitha Furyk (wife of Jim Furyk), Lisa Cink (wife of Stewart Cink), Alexandra Browne (partner of Rickie Fowler), Kandi Harris (partner of Hunter Mahan), Christina Zimmer (partner of Jeff Overton), and Sybil Kuchar (wife of Matt Kuchar), during the Ladies Outing to Cardiff Bay

(L-R) Alison McGinley (wife of Paul McGinley), Marian Jimenez (wife of Miguel Angel Jimenez), Allison Micheletti (partner of Martin Kaymer), Laurae Westwood (wife of Lee Westwood), Holly Sweeney (Rory McIlroy), Caroline Harrington (wife of Padraig Harrington), Gaynor Montgomerie (wife of Colin Montgomerie), Alison Campbell (partner of Darren Clarke), Anna Roscio ( partner of Edoardo Molinari), Katie Poulter (wife of Ian Poulter), Valentina Molinari (wife of Francesco Molinari) and Sanna Hanson (wife of Peter Hanson)

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.'Fellow American WAG Kandi Harris is a 24-year-old blonde used to cheer 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.

European team captain's wife Gaynor Montgomerie with Pavin at the University of Wales Fashion Show

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.'

The American WAGs are being hosted by the wife of Colin Montgomerie, who is Europe's team captain. Gaynor has proved to be a gracious and understated 'Lady Captain'. She clearly remains a loyal wife, despite the fact her husband confessed to an affair with an old flame not long after they married in 2008. The no-fuss brunette will be among those at the first official function of the Ryder Cup, a dinner at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium tonight.

Prince Charles met with with U.S. team captain Corey Pavin, right, and Europe team captain Colin Montgomerie at Celtic Manor golf course in Newport today

Prince Charles rode around in a golf buggy with Sir Terry Matthews, left, owner of the Celtic Manor Resort

Members of the European team practice putting on the fifth green today