Fifth Ryder Cup Question: When Does The Brookline Warranty Expire?

As someone who found the American behavior at Brookline in 1999 unfortunate and embarrassing, I've understood those who cite the 17th hole antics whenever someone dares to question any kind of suspect behavior on the European side.

But in questioning Captain Olazabal's decision to not go the classy route by conceding the final match when the Ryder Cup was returning to Europe and bedlem had overtaken the 18th hole, I've been surprised by how many people merely wheel out the word "Brookline" to counter the criticism or end the argument, as if it's their universal safety word.

So I'm just curious, how long do Europeans think they get to cite Brookline before the warranty is up?

Do we have two more years, when the 15th anniversary arrives and Gleneagles becomes yet another name synonymous with the European Tour selling its venue privileges to the highest bidder at the expense of quality golf or a temperate climate?

Or the 25th anniversary at Bethpage, when Phil Mickelson is captain? Oh wait, not with those fans.

Guess it's a lifetime warranty?