Ryder Cup: Rory McIlroy reunited with policeman who rushed him to Medina's first tee

Rory McIlroy walks to the first tee after arriving late (GETTY IMAGES)

Ryder Cup hero Rory McIlroy has been reunited with the policeman who rushed him to the course for the final day's play at Medinah Country Club.

McIlroy almost missed the start of his match with Keegan Bradley after being confused by American time zones, with his phone listing his start time at 12:25pm. However, that referred to Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is 11:25am Central Time (CT).

The Northern Irishman was still at the team hotel when he got a panicked phone call telling him he had 25 minutes to get to the first tee.

He was bailed out by state trooper Pat Rollins, who radioed ahead to ensure intersections were cleared in a dash across the Chicago suburbs.

McIlroy made it in time to take a couple of practice swings before he overcame Bradley as part of Europe's dramatic comeback from 10-6 down to retain the trophy.

The world number one has spoken of his gratitude towards Rollins and a picture on his Twitter account showed he had taken the chance to say thank you in person.

Alongside the words "me with my chauffeur who drove me to the course yesterday!! #betterlatethannever", is a picture of McIlroy with his arm around the policeman.

Rollins has received some ribbing for his contribution towards the United States' defeat.

He told the Daily Mirror: "They jokingly said if I hadn't, the USA would have won the Ryder Cup.

"But the Ryder Cup should be settled on the course, not in traffic.

"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 number one.

"I'm a big golf fan and I knew who he was. It was a great event, an exciting event.

"I'm just glad I could play my small part."

PA