Rory McIlroy sensationally won The Masters on Sunday afternoon, with the 35-year-old Northern Irish golfer finally breaking hiss Augusta curse and achieving a career grand slam.
However, like many sports superstars, McIlroy’s personal life often makes headlines. About 11 months ago, the golfing world was shocked when McIlroy filed for divorce from his wife of seven years, Erica Stoll, just days before the US PGA Championship.
But a month later, the couple announced they had “resolved differences” and wouldn’t be parting ways after all. Since his rise to golfing stardom in 2009, McIlroy has been linked to several high-profile women.
Here, the Mirror delves into Rory’s rollerocaster love life – from rumors of a romance with Meghan Markle to his short-lived engagement to former world number one tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, who aimed a subtle dig in his direction in a live TV interview at Augusta earlier in the week.
Rory McIlroy left open-mouthed after Masters moment in final round
Megan Markle rumors
Rumors of a romance with Meghan Markle Before Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, found her prince charming in Prince Harry, she was rumored to have a connection with golf star Rory McIlroy. Back in the summer of 2014, when Meghan was at the peak of her fame from the TV show Suits, she formed an unlikely friendship with Rory.
The rumors of a possible romance started swirling after he nominated her for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
The viral trend involved participants dousing themselves with ice-cold water and posting the video on social media to raise awareness for ALS, a type of motor neurone disease. Meghan agreed to participate on one condition – that Rory would be the one to pour the icy water over her.
After the video was shared on social media, it was reported that the two enjoyed drinks and dinner together in New York.
Not long after, Meghan wrote about Rory on her former blog, The Tig, referring to him as the “real deal”. She penned: “Ah yes. Rory McIlroy. THE Rory McIlroy. Whispered (and shouted) to be the foremost golfer in the world, loved by Tiger, respected by Palmer, and dumper of frigid water on to my lone head for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. That Rory McIlroy.”
McIlroy met Megan Markle in 2014 during the Ice Bucket Challenge craze ( @McIlroyRory/Twitter)
She continued: “‘He is a force who has the propensity to actually work hard and play hard – relishing intense practices to substantiate his title, embracing nights of sipping Opus One (his bold and impressive choice of wine) and indulging in group dinners at Cipriani – for the balance, of course.
“And yet, beyond his work/play ethic, the most endearing quality of this man is his character – as real and honest as they come, appreciating a simple smile, never shunning a fan photo, enjoying a plate of pasta with veal ragu, and expressing a love for his parents that is rarely seen in men his age. Or at any age, to be honest. He is not just the real deal… he is real. And perhaps that is what makes him even more cherished.”
Love rumors swirled when, months later in October 2014, they were seen cozying up during dinner at Dublin’s hip Fade Street Social. However, despite much gossip, internal sources claimed Meghan and the sporting star remained firmly just pals.
Allegedly, around the same time, Meghan was entwined with chef Cory Vitiello. The heartbreak made headlines.
Wozniacki engagement called off
The romance between McIlroy and former tennis number one Caroline Wozniacki seemed destined for glory as they got engaged in December 2013 after dating for three years and often being the other’s ultimate cheerleader.
McIlroy called off his engagement to Caroline Wozniacki ( Getty Images)
But the promise of marriage unraveled stunningly fast when, mere months after the New Year’s Eve proposal—and reputedly post-wedding invite dispatch—McIlory ended things. It’s been reported by The Times that a brief phone call, lasting a mere three minutes, delivered by McIlroy broke the news to Wozniacki, who initially dismissed it as jest.
Rory McIlroy’s candid reflections on his past relationship sparked a heated exchange with his former partner. In a 2017 interview with the Irish Independent, he admitted, “I thought at the time that being with someone that was in a similar position to you was the obvious answer. But it isn’t, because you can never get away from it. You can never detach yourself and try to come back to the real world.”
Marrying Erica Stoll
After calling off his engagement, Rory didn’t wait long to find new love. He reconnected with Erica, whom he’d first encountered in 2012 during her tenure with the PGA in America.
The couple tied the knot in 2017 at Ashworth Castle, a prestigious hotel in Ireland, surrounded by a galaxy of stars including Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Niall Horan from One Direction. Musical legends Stevie Wonder and Ed Sheeran serenaded the guests.
By August 2020, Rory and Erica were celebrating the birth of their daughter, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy.
McIlroy later got married to current wife Erica Stoll ( Getty Images)
In another conversation with the Irish Independent, Rory praised Erica for her grounded nature and subtly criticized his ex, saying, “We met when she was working for the PGA of America, and renting a condo in Palm Beach, and I found it refreshing being with someone who was living a normal life rather than, ‘Oh! My jet is 30 minutes late!'”.
“I could speak to her about anything, we ended up spending a bit of time together and realised that there was something more there. I love that she knows everything about me, and there was no judgement there. There was no judgement from day one, which is huge, because that’s very hard to find for someone in my position.”
Divorce filing and “realization”
However, their blissful union seemed to hit a snag when the shocking news broke that Rory had filed for divorce after seven years of marriage. The filing was made in Palm Beach County State Court in Florida on Monday, May 13, 2024.
“Rory McIlroy’s communications team confirmed today that a divorce has been filed,” read a statement from the 35 year old’s team. “They stressed Rory’s desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible. He will not be making any further comment.”
Yet, just a month later, Rory reportedly withdrew his divorce application, according to DailyMail. The publication reported that Erica failed to respond or even appoint an attorney by the June 2 deadline.
Just two days before the opening round of the U.S. Open, Rory addressed the rumors, confirming they were indeed reconciled.
McIlroy has been moving on with his life with wife Erica and daughter Poppy ( Getty Images)
In a statement released to the Guardian, he said: “There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumour is a fool’s game. Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
Amanda Balionis links
During their period of reconciliation, Rory was rumored to be involved with CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis, 38, after they shared a hug post-interview at the RBC Canadian Open in Hamilton, Ontario. Despite being married to football coach Bryn Renner, Balionis had been seen without her wedding ring and had reverted to using her maiden name.
The couple remained silent on the whispers of separation. Neither Balionis nor McIlroy commented on the affair allegations, but an anonymous insider informed Us Weekly that they were not an item.
Moving on
Rory seemed eager to leave the rumors behind as, towards the end of the previous year, his family was there to celebrate with him following his exit from the course at the DP World Tour Championship. McIlroy joyfully hugged his little daughter and then shared a kiss with Stoll.
Later, during the post-tournament ceremony on the 18th green, he paid homage to his loved ones, expressing to Erica and Poppy, “I love you,” amidst his victory speech. An emotional McIlroy then disclosed the challenges he faced over the last year.
He declared: “Yeah It means a lot,” and continued, “I’ve been through a lot this year professionally, personally. It feels like the fitting end to 2024. You know, yeah, look, I’ve persevered this year a lot. Had close calls. Wasn’t able to get it done… Really pleased with the way I finished and thankfully I hung on on a tough day and got it done.”
