How the Police Helped Rory McIlroy Escape Embarrassment After His Act of Negligence Almost Tainted a Historic Moment in 2012

Golf is an unpredictable sport. However, back in 2012, the boundaries of the impossible were crossed when Team Europe defied the odds with the Miracle at Medinah. Nonetheless, the legendary comeback could have never been achieved if Rory McIlroy was still in his hotel room watching television and never realized he had a Ryder Cup match to be prepared for. Take a look at the chaos faced by the world number one before the historical day in Chicago.

In 2012, Team Europe was seeking to retain its Ryder Cup title. However, their lead was in jeopardy ahead of the final day as the Americans were leading with a 10-6 overall score.

Nonetheless, as it turned out, the Europeans pulled off an insane comeback winning the final eight individual matches on Sunday, claiming one the most remarkable comeback in sports history. However, the Miracle at Medinah would have never occurred in the first place if McIlroy was stuck in the traffic.

How did Rory McIlroy sneak into the Medinah Country Club?

On the final day of the unprecedented Ryder Cup, McIlroy was set to face the 2011 PGA Championship winner, Keegan Bradley. However, half an hour before his big match, the Northern Irish star was still enjoying watching television in his hotel room.

It was 11 am in Central Illinois, while a clueless Rory thought it was 10 am. Soon after Jose Maria Olazabal’s Team Europe realized that they did not have the world number one on the field they called McIlroy. Following the phone call, he got out of his hotel room as soon as possible.

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Though the golfer was on his way, to make the course he would have to overcome 40,000 in attendance. Arriving two minutes late would have resulted in losing the first hole for Team Europe. Moreover, Bradley and Team USA would score a point in case McIlroy showed up after five minutes.

Fortunately for the 33-year-old, he was escorted by the Lombard Police Department. As he stepped on the Medinah golf course, Rory McIlroy did what he’s best known for.

McIlroy unfazed by the hostile Medinah crowd

After arriving on the golf course, McIlroy had more opponents to face apart from Bradley. The crowd at the Medinah Country Club, which was largely American fans, decided to troll the Northern Irish star. The crowd had chanted ‘Wakey-wakey’, ‘What time is it?’ and ‘How’s your hangover?’, towards McIlroy.

Nonetheless, the world number one wasted no time in silencing the crowd, as he defeated Keegan Bradley with a score of 2 and 1. Following his impressive feat, Rory McIlroy explained his struggles on Sunday morning.

“I thought I was off at 12.25pm instead of 11.25am”, he said.  However, a phone call was good enough to notify him of the match. “I got a call saying you have 25 minutes till tee off”. The win ended up adding to eight of Team Europe’s wins on the final day, coming back from a huge deficit to claim a big win, which is now famously labeled as the ‘Miracle At Medinah’.

What are your thoughts on McIlroy’s clueless actions? Let us know in the comments section below.

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