It could be a catwalk in Paris or Milan, New York or Los Angeles. Once upon a time, the only fashion criterion associated with the Ryder Cup was the colour of the polo shirt that the players would wear on the final day. Not any longer, however, and typically enough the Americans are to blame for this new fashion-conscious outlook.

And it has nothing to do with the players, rather their partners.

When the match was held at Kiawah Island in 1991, the wives and girlfriends of the American players were decked out in jingoistic, garish star-spangled uniforms which owed more to bimbo cheerleaders at a Washington Redskins game than at a golf match.

The trend had started, though. Since then, the colours have been toned down, the fashion stakes raised and a touch of class brought into the wardrobe. This week, the partners of Europe's players are dressed in ensembles designed exclusively by the German fashion house Escada Sport, a different outfit for each day.

So, the time when the wives weren't even present at the Ryder Cup matches has well and truly disappeared. Now, they are a very visible group with their specially-designed clothes and privileged access to the fairways, although Eimear Montgomerie, wife of Colin, says: "We are very significant and presented as a team, but it is important not to overdo the wives' bit. It can get out of hand. We are here to support the golfers."

The change in attitude is remarkable, but very much for the better according to Liz Kahn, a veteran freelance golf journalist. "It would be easy to sneer and say that the American garb is vulgar," she says, "but, personally, I think it is fun and certainly adds to the occasion. Just so long as it doesn't interfere with the golf."

The European designer gear this year is a daring break away from the traditional golfing attire, and is more likely to be seen in a trendy joint like Dublin's own Cafe Seine or London's Knightsbridge area than on any golf course, even one with the elegance of Valderrama.

For the opening and closing ceremonies, Eimear Montgomerie, Heather Clarke and the other wives of European players will wear three-buttoned tailored red jackets, camel-coloured tailored shorts, camel t-shirts and blue and white plimsolls. There is also a team scarf with coloured stripes and the European Community circle of golf stars.

And, for competition days, the European women can mix and match camel trousers, white t-shirt, and navy jerkin or camel jacket, navy trousers and yellow and white striped shirt.

In contrast, the American women will wear navy blazers, red shirts and navy skirts for the opening ceremony and, during the match, their choice revolves around red, khaki and navy with skirts, trousers and red, white and blue sleeveless tops.

The rivalry does cross over to the wives too. As Eimear Montgomerie admits, "if you are walking the fairway with one of the Americans, there is a slight edge. We want to win and so do they, although on the surface we are all terribly civilised."

Liz Kahn suggests that the wives are "appendages" to their husbands for the week, and wouldn't like to become more important than the reason everyone has made the trip to Valderrama. However, she adds: "It is important for them to look and feel good, it gives them a morale boost and also an identity."