If he had won either last year's Open or last month's US PGA instead of being pipped by Padraig Harrington he might have found something better.

But he did not and so now the 28-year-old aims to inflict further pain on a nation facing the distinct possibility of a fourth successive defeat at the hands of Europe.

Garcia, still waiting for his first major title, and Lee Westwood have become the main thorns in American sides and since they practised together this week speculation is mounting captain Nick Faldo will put them out first tomorrow.

United States captain Paul Azinger says: "Obviously Sergio is one of the most passionate players that Europe has ever had.

"He's along the lines of a Seve (Ballesteros) or (Colin) Montgomerie or Darren Clarke. There's a lot of passion – I just feel like he elevates somehow.

"He putts different. He putts better. I don't know – ask him why he makes so many putts."

Faldo is thrilled to have the Spaniard in his line-up, not just because of how he has played in past matches, but because of how he has watched him play this season.

"Sergio has really changed this year," he commented. "He's matured at the speed of light.

"For me the moment came when he three-putted the 17th hole on day three of The Players from 10 feet.

"You can imagine the old Sergio – either he wouldn't have made it to the 18th tee in one piece or his clubs wouldn't. He has so much more patience. I believe he's recognised that the more patient he stays the better his performance is.

"But this week passion really comes into it and he brings a lot of it to the team.

"When you see Sergio you see Seve. They love this event. Obviously match play is different and he gets fired up.

"And he's great off the golf course. He is a key member to the team."

With no Montgomerie or Clarke the onus falls on Garcia to keep the recent success story going, but he said: "I'm not going to be any different than I've been in the years past.

"I'm here for the team. If any of the rookies or anybody feels like they need to talk to me on any subject I'm always willing to.

"But I'm not going to kick my chest out and say I'm the leader of this team. No.

"There are 12 leaders on this team and the most important thing is that we are all together.

"I would rather go 0-and-5 and win the Ryder Cup than 5-and-0 and lose it."