THIS time last year, rivers flowed down the fairways as torrential rain hit the Ryder Cup - but what a difference a year makes.

Gwent residents have been out and about enjoying the autumnal sunshine over the past few days and the late summer weather is set to stay for a few days at least.

The unseasonable warm spell is a stark contrast to the last few days of September and early October last year when torrential rain stopped the majority of play on the first day of the much-anticipated tournament at the Celtic Manor Resort.

The 2010 course was left waterlogged after more than an inch of rain fell overnight on September 30 with the tournament due to start the next day, leaving around 45,000 seeking shelter and 100 green-keepers reaching for their mops and squeegees.

More than seven hours of play were lost and no games were finished on the first day. A total of 52.2mm (2.04ins) of rain fell on the Ryder Cup course between 5.30pm on September 30 last year and 10am on October 3, more than half the usual average rainfall for September and October combined.

But the heavy rain and delays failed to dampen the spirits of fans, as the tournament was extended to a fourth day for the first time in its 83 year history.

More than £28 million was spent in Newport during the week of the tournament, including more than £12.2million on food, drink and other items at the tournament itself, and just over £4.6million on accommodation by spectators and event volunteers between September 28 and October 3, 2010.

Of the total £28.3 million boost to the Newport economy, £25.5 million was from visitors and the remaining amount was spent by residents.

Today’s forecast is for dry and exceptionally warm weather with hazy sunshine and maximum temperatures of 23C. Tomorrow is expected to stay sunny with temperatures reaching 24C during the day and 13C overnight. The sunny weather will stretch to Monday with highs of 25C during the day and 16C overnight, before cooling slightly on Tuesday with temperatures of around 21C and sunny spells.