The 44th Ryder Cup is kicking off this week at the Marco Simone Golf Course in Rome, Italy. The excitement and uproar from the fans is expected but will you expect the legendary Rory McIlroy to come late to the course?

No one will, but that’s what happened at the 39th Ryder Cup. Let’s go back in time and take a trip down memory lane to see what transpired in the 2012 Ryder Cup when the then No.1 arrived only 10 minutes before his tee time.

The late arrival of Rory McIlroy at the 2012 Ryder Cup

We all are aware of the Miracle of Medinah, the unexpected comeback from Team Europe in 2012, Illinois, to retain their trophy against the Americans. In 2012, on the ultimate day as the Europeans were behind 4 points and the fans expected them to lose the cup but Team Europe defied all odds.

But the way to the win was a little difficult as their key player, Rory McIlroy, arrived with only a few minutes to spare. The Singles match had started, and Rory was supposed to play the third match against Keegan Bradley. The Irishman forgot the 1-hour difference between Eastern and Central time. As he was sitting in his hotel room, thinking that his tee time was 1 hour away, he got a call from his manager. 

Hurrying out of the hotel, McIlroy had 25 minutes to reach the course. The course was a mere 15-minute’ ride, but incoming fans packed the route. Thanks to the Lombard Police Department Deputy Chief who got him through traffic and dropped him off just in time, McIlroy made it just in time, one can say. Rory put on his shoes, practiced a few putts, ate energy bars, and headed to the course.

As the American fans screamed ‘Wakey Wakey’, the veteran won 2&1 against Keegan. This one point was crucial for that historic comeback. The Europeans won the 2012 Ryder Cup in style and Rory McIlroy proved himself to be an exceptional player at 23. If he had been a few more minutes late, Europe would not have seen the Miracle of Medinah. The player later explained that he was confused because the reporters were saying 12:25 Central time and he took it as Eastern time. 

Read More: Major Rift in the US Squad? As Chaos Ensues Over Brooks Koepka’s Noticeable Absence, Team US Captain Rushes to Douse the Rumors

But then, that’s how McIlroy met his wife!

As the 2023 Ryder Cup approaches, The PGA has shared the video from the 2012 Ryder Cup. The fans went down the nostalgic path and shared their opinions.

Erica Stoll, who was working in some official capacity, also played a massive role in that incident and helped McIlroy in a big way. Is it a surprise that she is now the golfer’s wife? This fan quips.

Another made it clear that this won’t be happening again!

One recalled that even after sleeping in, McIlroy won!

Another found it relatable as he starts around late too.

This golf fan insisted that Rory is like everyone else and may mess up sometimes.

Another joked that the golfer had the time set to a different time zone.

Twelve years from that day, McIlroy now heads for the 44th Ryder Cup for Team Europe in Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, Italy. And this time the team will not leave him behind! Who are you cheering for this Ryder Cup? Share it in the comments!

Watch this Story: ‘Aberg is Outshining Them’: Mesmerized By Team Europe’s Wildcard Pick, Poster Boys Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland Flaunt Their Unwavering Bond