US Ryder Cup team in wardrobe malfunction

The United States Ryder Cup team have complained about their waterproof gear at Celtic Manor and have now been provided with different tops and trousers from the tented village.

A statement from the PGA of America said that the original clothing made by the Montana-based Sun Mountain company "did not repel the water to the players' liking".

Europe's side, in stark contrast, declared they were quite content with their Proquip outfits and since it was available in the merchandising area that is what the Americans switched to.

The jackets retail at around £120 and the trousers £50 and since the caddies needed new stuff as well it was a costly exercise - over £4,000 if it was one set each.

Captain Corey Pavin commented: "We were disappointed with the performance (of the raingear), but we just fixed it. We went out and bought more."

"It's unbelievable," said former Open champion Paul Lawrie when he heard the story.

"I assume they would have been tested and it seems an incredible lapse."

Phil Mickelson's coach Butch Harmon commented: "They are the ugliest things I have ever seen and if they don't work as well it's not a good thing.

"But in defence of our team we wouldn't usually go out in weather like this."

As the two sides waited to hear when the action might resume Rory McIlroy said on his Twitter site: "I just have to say are waterproofs are performing very well!"

And when Ian Poulter was asked about it he stated: "Ours are keeping us nice and dry, that's all I am going to say."