Share

Robert Rock solves visa issue

Bethesda - Robert Rock's desperate bid to make his US Open debut this week at Congressional Country Club was back on track on Wednesday after he finally obtained a United States visa.

The 34-year-old Briton had missed Tuesday's deadline for registration at Congressional because he was still in London arranging the necessary travel documentation.

However, Rock managed to get his visa at the US embassy despite the short notice and was expected to arrive later on Wednesday, a European Tour official told Reuters.

While Rock will be delighted to take up his place in the year's second major, he is likely to set off in Thursday's opening round without having seen much of the hosting par-71 Congressional layout.

The Englishman is scheduled to tee off at 1419 local (1819 GMT) in the company of American Kevin Chappell and South Korean Kim Do-hoon.

Rock, who won his maiden European Tour title at the Italian Open in Turin on Sunday, booked his place at the US Open via an international qualifying event at Walton Heath, England last month.

Should he not make it to Congressional in time for the opening round, his spot would be offered to first alternate and fellow Briton Richie Ramsay, organisers said.

Ramsay also competed in the Walton Heath qualifier but opted to skip a playoff to decide the remaining US Open berth in order to try to attend a friend's wedding reception.

After missing the flight to fellow professional Gareth Maybin's reception, Ramsay returned to the Walton Heath course on the outskirts of London but missed out on the playoff by a matter of minutes.

Swede Johan Edfors won the playoff in near darkness when he beat Denmark's Andreas Harto at the first extra hole.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
32% - 1843 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1810 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1100 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 470 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 193 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 261 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE