The admission of a ‘drink driving’ charge as an 18-year old almost cost Robert Rock a start in the U.S. Open.
Rock is believed to have expended more than Euro 10,000 in missed flights and lawyer’s fees after both he and his manager, Steve Bainbridge from SBM Sports admitted to past DUI offences in applying for U.S. visas.
But in the case of the 34-year old Rock, it happened all of 16 years ago as a then teenager.
Rock was at the American Embassy in London in the days before his victory in Turin and then sat around England for a further three days after his first success in 209 events on the European Tour.
It’s believed Rock booked a number of flights from London to Washington D. C. hoping to have the appropriate visa in his passport.
However it wasn’t till late today London time Rock finally had his passport returned with approval to visit the U.S.
He left London on a 8.30pm bound flight for New York and then was facing a 4-hour rent-a-car drive through the early morning hours to the American capital.
Fortunately, Rock is not teeing up to 2.19pm local time that allows him time to make his debut U.S. Open appearance.
But Scotland’s Richie Ramsay wasn’t taking any chances.
Richie Ramsay celebrates his 28th birthday alongside World No. 3 Martin Kaymer not knowing if he will contest the U.S. Open or not.
Ramsay is first European alternate (not first reserve) through the Walton Heath qualifier.
And had the Scot not sought to attend the wedding reception of Ballyclare’s Gareth Maybin he could easily have spared himself the stress.
Ramsay was expecting to spend the week at his residence in Altanta with his girlfriend, Angela.
Instead he was on Congressional range today practicing alongside World No. 3 Martin Kaymer, and on the occasion of his 28th birthday.’
Under bizarre U.S. Open rules Ramsay was banned from playing Congressional.
“I can tell you it’s the strangest birthday I’ve ever had,” said Ramsay.
“I played the 2007 U.S. Open after winning the U.S. Amateur and it was birthday when I played the first day with Tiger Woods.
“Then I was away from home for an amateur event in Japan when it was my birthday. Also i missed my school graduation on my birthday.
“It just seems that a lot of things have happened to me around 15th June.
“So at this stage there’s nothing I can do and just work on my game. I know one thing and that is I won’t be leaving here till I see Robert in the flesh.”
Standing beside Ramsay was Rock’s caddy, Gary Tilson.
Tilson has been at Congressional since Monday walking the course in preparation for Rock’s eventual arrival.
“This is grey hair stuff and what’s happening to Robert has taken lot of the shine off his Italian Open win,” said Tilson.
If Rock were not to arrive in time, it had been agreed between Rock and Ramsay that Tilson should caddy for Ramsay.
