Race To Dubai's Magnitude Measured In Sergio's Scheduling

The meaninglessness of golf's various "playoff" chases could not have been better summed up by Sergio Garcia's decision to play the PGA Tour event in Malaysia last week instead of the European Tour's Race To Dubai's opening BMW-sponsored event in Shanghai.

The sub-headline of Derek Lawrenson's Daily Mail item called it a "rare duff shot by Garcia," which in itself should provide warm chuckles all around. Sergio is a walking daily duff shot.

Lawrenson writes:

Garcia has a golden chance to close the gap on Rory McIlroy, the man leading the Race to Dubai, who has been detained in Ireland by his lawyers.

So what does Garcia do? The Spaniard decides to play in the PGA Tour event in Malaysia instead.
Yes, I’m sure the appearance money was good. But did he not stop for a minute to think what sort of message this sends out?

How are the rest of us supposed to get interested in the Final Series concept if the No 2 can’t be bothered to show up?

Like the rest of us when the FedExCup rolls around? With apathy for cup chases saddled by dull formats?