A THIRD team of golfers is in Newport for the Ryder Cup - and unlike some of the best players from Europe and the United States, none has had to rely on the vagaries of a captain's pick.

But while Tiger Woods, Lee Westwood and company will go into battle on the fairways and greens of the Celtic Manor Resort's 2010 course next month, this 10-strong group can be seen plying their trade at more humble, but no less busy, locations around the city.

For these are all horticultural sculptures, modelled in classic golfing poses, the topiary creations of experts from Newport city council's countryside and parks department - and each has a vital role to play in promoting the event, and in creating a sense of welcome for visitors.

Green-fingered parks staff play a vital role in Newport's continual success in the annual Wales In Bloom competition, the city having carried off the title this summer for the fifth time in succession and the 12th time overall.

Among the most celebrated of their creations are the topiary pandas and ducks that adorn certain traffic roundabouts in the city, and roundabouts are now hosting some of the golfer sculptures.

At the Tredegar Park roundabout, there are four figures, including one caught in the act of putting. Another holds up a sign reading 'quiet'.

Similar figures adorn the Pencarn Way roundabout (two), the Ryder Cup park and ride site at Tredegar House (three) and the Hilton Hotel at The Coldra (one).

Each golfer took six months to grow and cost £200-£350 to create, depending on its size.

The project is part of a wider city enhancement project, funded by a £3.8 million Welsh Assembly Government grant.