Englishman Robert Rock’s revealed he paid $1,000 to a New Jersey cabbie to drive him to Washington DC.
After a US visa nightmare, Rock finally arrived into Washington DC at 3.30am local time Thursday and just under 12 hours before teeing up at 2.19pm local time.
The new BMW Italian Open winner was finally reunited with his UK passport late on Wednesday and boarded an 8.30pm departing flight to Neward Airport in New Jersey.
Rock touched down in the States near 11.30pm and with Rock paying a cabbie to drive the Midlander the four hours south on I-95 to his hotel.
“There was no really much more I could do at that hour,” said Rock.
Robert Rock apologises to Richie Ramsay finally on the Englishman's delayed arrival at Congressional.
Then on arrival at Congressional near 12.30pm Thursday, one of the first Rock spotted was Scotland’s Richie Ramsay.
“I’m sorry Rich’ for all the trouble but it’s been a nightmare and I’m just so pleased to be here,” said Rock.
Ramsay, who had been at the course since well before the 7am opening tee time in case of a withdrawal, accepted Rock’s apology but was also pleased he arrived well in time for his afternoon tee time.
“It’s great that Robert’s here as no one who’s qualified wants to miss out competing in a Major,” he said.
“But I’ll be seeking 10% of his Italian Open win to cover my expenses (laughing).”
Ramsay had a further 33 minutes to wait after Rock had tee-off before confirmation at 2.52pm that all 156 players had teed off and there would be no withdrawals.
The Aberdonian contacted his Washington hotel to advise he would not require a room and prepared to catch a 7.30pm flight to Atlanta and a delayed 28th birthday celebration in the company of his girlfriend.
“It’s been two of the most bizarre days in my golfing career standing around all day yesterday wondering if Robert would turn up or not,” he said.
“It was some 28th birthday present but then I’ve been here at the course today since just after 6am to now just before 3pm but no one withdrew.
“I’ve spoken to my hotel so I’ve cancelled my booking and I’m off to Atlanta for a few days.
“I’ll spend a couple of days down there and the good also is that next week’s BMW International Open in Munich is a course I know pretty well, so I don’t have to get there so early.”
