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Ryder cop recounts Rory rescue act

Rory McIlroy was a relieved man on Sunday at Medinah © PA Photos

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The police officer who rushed Rory McIlroy to Medinah Country Club just in time to make his crucial Ryder Cup singles match has admitted some regrets about helping out the European team.

Pat Rollins was on hand to drive McIlroy, the world No. 1, from his hotel to Medinah in time to make his 11.25 tee-time against Keegan Bradley, after the Northern Irishman had got confused between Central and Eastern Time.

McIlroy eventually reached the course with 25 minutes to spare - and went on to beat the in-form Bradley as Europe won the Ryder Cup by the narrowest of margins.

Rollins, deputy police chief for Lombard, the area the players from both teams were staying, revealed he has taken some light-hearted abuse for his part in the European comeback, but was happy to assist McIlroy in his hour of need.

"Some of my colleagues have said we shouldn't have taken him and the United States might have won the Ryder Cup," Rollins said. "But the competition was on the course - not in the traffic around Medinah Country Club.

"We would have done the same for any American or European player, though I must admit it was extra-special that he is the world No 1.

"I am a big golf fan and knew who he was. It was a great event and an exciting event. I am just glad I could play my small part."

It was two PGA of America transport officials, Maggie Budzar and Erica Stoll, who first raised the alarm about McIlroy's mistake - growing concerned when the 23-year-old was the last player left at the hotel.

"There was a huge crowd outside the team hotel waiting to video and photograph the players so everyone knew McIlroy hadn't come down yet," Budzar said. "The hotel said he was maybe on the players' floor.

"There was only one room still in use when housekeeping checked and a male voice said not to come in. We figured it had to be him."

McIlroy revealed he was taking some extra time to rest and recuperate - having been involved in the last fourballs match to conclude on Saturday evening, before getting up early to call his girlfriend, tennis player Caroline Wozniacki.

"I woke up at nine to call Caroline, who's in Beijing," McIlroy explained. "I was up for a while - I was just hanging around.

"I had a couple of missed calls from a number I didn't recognise about half past 10 so I didn't pick up.

"And then I got a phone call at 11 from my manager Conor Ridge saying, 'Are you at the golf course yet?' I said, 'No, I'm not'.

"He said, 'But you're teeing off in 25 minutes'.

"I said, 'No I'm not, it's an hour and 25'. He said, 'You're taking the mick, you're at the golf course'.

"And I said, 'No I'm not'. He said, 'Well, you had better get there'."

McIlroy rushed down to the lobby, where Rollins was on hand to hurry him to the course in an unmarked police car.

"He was definitely nervous - though I am sure anyone would be in that position," Rollins said. "I used my radio to call ahead and all the police on the route helped us through all the intersections without a problem.

"I always knew we would make it, though he wasn't so sure. I kept telling him we would be fine."

After victory had been assured, European captain Jose Maria Olazabal presented McIlroy with a oversized clock, so he would not struggle with the time again in future.

Me with my chauffeur who drove me to the course yesterday!! #betterlatethannever say.ly/Dbq4hSV— Rory Mcilroy (@McIlroyRory) October 1, 2012

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