Rory McIlroy arrived at Ryder Cup venue in police car after oversleeping

The 'Miracle at Medinah' is etched in sporting history as one of the most dramatic comebacks ever and undoubtedly the greatest in Ryder Cup history. However, Rory McIlroy's time-keeping blunder nearly derailed the monumental 2012 victory. The United States were comfortably leading 10-6 going into the final day, needing just four and a half points to snatch the trophy from Europe.

Europe's captain, Jose Maria Olazabal, understood the importance of scoring early points if they were to stand any chance of retaining the cup on American turf. Therefore, it came as no surprise when he selected world No. 1 McIlroy for one of the early tee times.

The Northern Irishman was set to face Keegan Bradley in the day's third match, with a scheduled tee time of 11.25am. However, there was a hiccup - McIlory had seen his tee time, which was published in America's Eastern Time Zone. The event, however, was taking place in the American Central Time Zone, an hour behind. This misunderstanding led McIlory to believe that he was teeing off at 12.25pm instead of his actual time an hour earlier.

Just as he was getting ready to leave his hotel room, the four-time Major winner received a call asking where he was because he was due to tee off in 25 minutes.

A now somewhat flustered McIlroy hastily made his way to the hotel lobby.

His accommodation was merely 15 minutes from the Medinah Country Club, but with 40,000 spectators present, actually reaching the venue was already proving to be quite the challenge.

Luckily for the world's top-ranked golfer, he had police assistance available to navigate through the heavy traffic.

Lombard Police Department's Deputy Chief Pat Rollins bundled him into the front seat and sped towards the course.

The repercussions of a player failing to make their tee time could have been catastrophic for either side.

Competition regulations stipulated that arriving two minutes late would result in forfeiting the opening hole, whilst being over five minutes tardy meant losing the entire match.

McIlroy reached the venue just 10 minutes before his scheduled first tee appearance and managed only a handful of practice putts before confronting Bradley.

He hadn't even managed any warm-up swings away from the masses of onlookers, who welcomed him with cries of "wakey wakey" and "how's your hangover?"

Despite all the chaos, the Northern Irishman astonishingly remained composed and proceeded to defeat his American rival 2&1.

Extraordinarily, Europe secured victory in all five opening singles encounters, eliminating the USA's lead before Martin Kaymer maintained his composure to overcome Steve Stricker and secure one of the most improbable Ryder Cup triumphs 14 1/2-13 1/2. McIlroy, now at ease, shared the details of the pre-match confusion.

He revealed: "I thought I was off at 12.25pm instead of 11.25am and was casually making my way out of the hotel room door, and I got a call saying you have 25 minutes till tee off.

"I was a bit worried then. But as soon as I got to the course I was fine and settled into the match and obviously delighted to win. I read the tee times on my phone, and they are obviously on Eastern time and it's Central time here. So an hour back, so [it's just] one of those things.

"It's my own fault, but if I let down these 11 other boys and vice-captains and captains this week I would never forgive myself. I was with a policeman, getting through traffic. I got here with about 10 minutes to spare, put my shoes on, a couple of putts, just your average sort of warm-up back at the course."