But already the side is taking shape. While it was always unlikely that he would be making an eleventh appearance in the biennial transatlantic contest after he decided to become part of the growing LIV Golf empire, it is now 100 percent certain that Sergio Garcia will not be teeing up at the Marco Simone course just outside Rome.

As he was entitled to be, the 42-year-old Spaniard was in the draw for the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth that will conclude later today (UK time). Along with his LIV colleagues, Garcia is able to participate in DP World Tour events at least until February next year, when their case to have that state of affairs continue will be heard in a court of law. Fair enough. That’s how the world works. And should work.

But here’s the thing. When Garcia entered the DP World Tour’s so-called “flagship event” it was surely on the understanding that he would – barring injury or illness – play at least 36-holes and maybe 72 (54 as it turned out when Queen Elizabeth’s death caused the cancellation of the second round) should he make the halfway cut.

Of course he ended up doing none of the above.

What Sergio likely sees in the mirror differs from this columnist's view. PHOTO: Jared C. Tilton/LIV via Getty Images.

After shooting 76 in an opening round where 91 of the 144-strong field broke the par of 72, Garcia used his subsequent day off to fly back to the United States. Texas to be exact. The following day it was announced that he had withdrawn from the biggest event on what used to be called the European Tour, with “no reason given.” Apparently even 18-holes around the famous Burma Road course were too much for a man whose competitive play is now almost exclusively confined to three-round events.

Anyway, that same day a photograph emerged of a smiling and apparently uninjured Garcia and his wife at the University of Texas versus Alabama (American) football game in Austin.

Such behaviour is clearly many things. “Pathetic” comes to mind. So does “childish.” But most of all it is unprofessional. Garcia played at Wentworth at the expense of the first reserve, a fellow Spaniard as it turned out and, most importantly, a man in need of a start in an $8 million event.

"The saddest aspect of all this is the lack of surprise at Garcia’s actions ... Indeed, this man-child has been behaving like a spoiled infant for much of his career in golf." - John Huggan.

Had Garcia not bothered to come, or withdrawn before the first round, Alfredo García-Heredia would have been able to play. Right now, the 40-year-old from Gijon is 134th on the European money-list, 13 places from keeping his Tour card for next year. So he really needs chances to compete and win money.

Give Jon Rahm credit. Even before the start of the championship, the World No.6 had raised the question of Garcia-Heredia’s plight, citing the fact that, in his mind at least, Garcia and his LIV chums should not, in a just world, be able to play. Of course, Rahm also expressed sadness that the likes of Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter have been lost to Europe’s Ryder Cup cause. One wonders if those feelings have changed in the wake of his compatriot’s behaviour over the last few days.

I’m betting they have.

The saddest aspect of all this is the lack of surprise at Garcia’s actions. This, after all, is an individual with a lengthy rap sheet, one who is, shall we say, known to the authorities.

Indeed, this man-child has been behaving like a spoiled infant for much of his career in golf.

His racist remarks regarding the eating habits of Tiger Woods and black people in general were bad enough. Then there was his disgusting expectoration into the cup on a green in Dubai. And the damage he did to a putting surface in, of all places, Saudi Arabia while indulging in one of his many on-course tantrums was nothing short of outrageous.

At this point my mind goes to Jim Furyk. The American has gone head-to-head with Garcia more than once in Ryder Cup play, with the Spaniard mostly having the best of things. I’m guessing here, but the look on Furyk’s face at the end of those matches betrayed more than the usual disappointment at a loss. His facial expression looked more like contempt to me.

And that is the emotion this reporter feels towards Garcia. Yes, he is possessed of a great talent. Yes, he is a major champion. Yes, he has won more points in Ryder Cups than any other player. And yes, he should be allowed to indulge in the riches on offer at LIV Golf. We (supposedly) live in a free world. So that is his right.

But in the wake of his departure to all-things Saudi, Garcia has repeatedly revealed the sadly familiar dark side of his nature. More than once over the past few months he has publicly bad-mouthed both the DP World Tour (where he has accumulated €30,478,345 in prize money) and the players who continue to make their livings there.

One thing he did say made me smile though.

“I like to play where they want me and on the European Tour right now I don't feel loved,” was Garcia’s parting comment as he left St. Andrews and The Open Championship back in July.

Well, that much is certainly true now. Great golfer he may be. But as a man Sergio Garcia is a huge disappointment.