As they found some scarce shelter from all the “Yoo-rup” chants, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson exchanged a knowing grin. They could be forgiven the indulgence.

For despite losing six matches out of six between them, these two compelling human contradictions, titans on their own terms but incorrigible flakes in a team setting, have somehow convinced a gullible game that their Thanksgiving shootout in Las Vegas next month represents a worthwhile prizefight.

One of them, as if they need it, will earn £6.9 million out in the Nevada desert. On this evidence, the next US Ryder Cup captain would be best-advised to leave them there.

Technically, this Ryder Cup ended as soon as Francesco Molinari and Sergio Garcia were both guaranteed at least halves, but for the crowds this American capitulation was wrapped up, aptly, when Mickelson fanned his ball into yet another Parisian lake.

The moment sealed a distinction of sorts, assuring him of the worst record in the competition’s history, with 22 losses in his 11 instalments. The next worst? Woods, whose 21 defeats have come in four fewer editions. The only outcome surer than a home victory on this stage is that the two greatest players of their generation will crash and burn.