For Garcia, it might be a welcome break. The Spaniard is no stranger to the role, having been Europe's best more or less constantly for the past five years. He's also produced a grand total of zero majors during that time, despite a handful of close calls.

With the spotlight beaming down on Rose, Garcia might flourish. There have been endless theories developed to explain Garcia's empty major cabinet. He's routinely disappointed as Europe's trump card; perhaps being its underdog will suit him better.

It will be interesting to follow Rose's progress in the high altitudes. It's not his first time in the top 10, but Rose will be eager to gain s stronger foothold than he's previously been able.

Rose may well be ready to lead Europe's challenge at the majors. He is, after all, the bona fide European No.1, having won the Order of Merit last year, and his performances in the majors of late have been encouraging. If only the Masters was an 18-hole event; Rose would have two green jackets.

Notably, Rose would have leapfrogged his way to a career-best 3rd on the rankings had he won at Memorial. Only Geoff Ogilvy, Ernie Els and Adam Scott remain between him and the untouchable top two, Woods and Mickelson.

At the other end of the top 100, there was significant movement of a less positive note for Europeans with Colin Montgomerie bundled into 103rd spot following an indifferent week at Celtic Manor in Wales.

So as the man who for so long carried Britain's major hopes begins to fall off the pace; another positions himself at the helm. We can only hope that Rose has a better coping mechanism than Monty for life as Britain's Next Big Thing.