There have been 32 majors since Lawrie won the British Open. That’s the longest Europe has gone without since the 34 majors between Tony Jacklin winning the 1970 U.S. Open at Hazeltine and Ballesteros winning his first major in 1979.

The record drought for Europe is 18 years between the 1951 British Open (Max Faulkner) and 1969 British Open (Jacklin).

It’s hard to criticize the talent. Europe has had 18 players who have combined to produce 42 finishes in the top five since Lawrie hoisted the claret jug at Carnoustie, with Garcia leading the way.

If only Thomas Bjorn had not taken three shots to get out of the bunker on the 16th hole at Royal St. George’s. Or if Monty had not chunked that 7-iron at Winged Foot. Maybe if Garcia had not taken so many waggles at Bethpage.

It’s always something.

“We’ve not had anyone who could finish it off,” Jacklin said Tuesday. “The ’80s will be known as the golden age in European golf. Seve led the way, with Faldo, Woosie, Langer, Lyle. All those guys were fantastic. Up to now, I haven’t seen anybody. You don’t get that many chances in majors unless you’re truly great. It’s tough to win majors. But it was always tough.”

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The longer the drought continues, the tougher it will get.

“The more any European wins a major, that would help the rest of us,” said Padraig Harrington, who has four top-five finishes in the majors. “We’ve proved in the Ryder Cup that there are a lot of good players out there. It’s just a question of that little breakthrough.”

Until then, the Ryder Cup is about the only thing Europe can claim as evidence.

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