Who is Rory McIlroy's wife? Meet Erica Stoll

Rory McIlroy is married to Erica Stoll. The couple met at the 2012 Ryder Cup and got married in 2017. They have one daughter, named Poppy.

Andy Roberts's picture
Wed, 15 Mar 2023
Who is Rory McIlroy's wife? Meet Erica Stoll

Rory McIlroy's wife is Erica Stoll. 

They got married on 22 April 2017 in a ceremony held at Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland.

Erica was formerly the manager of Championship Volunteer Operations at the PGA of America.

McIlroy met Erica at the 2012 at the Ryder Cup, which is the biennial golf tournament between teams from Europe and the United States.

The Ulsterman was part of the European team and Stoll was working in a role that related to the organization of the event. 

It is said that Stoll played a huge part in helping McIlroy make his Sunday singles tee time after he mixed up his timings. 

McIlroy went on to win his match 2&1 against Keegan Bradley, helping Europe complete their 'miracle' comeback at Medinah. 

According to reports, Stoll helped organise the police escort that helped McIlroy make his tee time with 11 minutes to spare. 

Had he been late, he would've had to forfeit the match. At this period in time, McIlroy was dating Danish tennis pro Caroline Wozniacki. 

Break-up with Caroline Wozniacki

McIlroy had a high-profile relationship with the Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki.

They started dating in 2011 and got engaged on New Year's Eve in 2013.

McIlroy broke off the engagement in May 2014, just days after the wedding invitations had been sent out.

He reportedly had concerns about their relationship and his own readiness for marriage.

After the break-up, McIlroy dated several other women, including the Irish model and singer Nadia Forde.

But he generally kept his personal life more private before meeting and marrying Erica.

During their relationship, McIlroy spoke highly of Wozniacki in interviews, describing her as a great support and inspiration to his career.

After the split, McIlroy faced criticism for calling off their engagement over the phone, with some people accusing him of being insensitive.

Since then, both McIlroy and Wozniacki have moved on and have successful careers in their respective sports.

What did Caroline Wozniacki say about the split? 

During and after their relationship, Wozniacki spoke favourably of McIlroy in interviews, praising his work ethic, dedication to his sport, and supportive role in her own career.

After their break-up, Wozniacki expressed some disappointment and heartbreak but also focused on moving forward and continuing her career.

In a 2017 interview with Vogue, she said: 

"I don't think you necessarily need a guy to be happy. It's nice to have someone, but it's not the end-all and the be-all.
"I think I'd be fine on my own. Once you learn that, you know you're going to be okay no matter what, and that's when you can actually be in a relationship and not be clinging on to the other person."

Proposal to Erica Stoll

McIlroy proposed to Erica in December 2015 while the couple were on holiday in Paris.

The proposal reportedly took place on the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous streets in the city, as the couple were walking around admiring the Christmas lights.

According to McIlroy, he had planned the proposal for some time and had selected the ring with the help of a friend.

He had originally planned to propose to Erica on New Year's Eve, but changed his plans after he realized he couldn't wait any longer to pop the question.

In an interview with The Independent, McIlroy said of the proposal:

"I had the ring in my pocket and I was like, 'Right, where's the right place?' And then I just thought, you know, it's a nice day, let's just take her up to the top of the Eiffel Tower and propose."

The wedding day 

McIlroy married his long-time girlfriend Erica on 22 April 2017 in a lavish wedding ceremony held at Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland.

The wedding was attended by a number of high-profile guests from the world of golf.  

Those guests included Sergio Garcia, Shane Lowry, and Paul McGinley, as well as celebrities such as Niall Horan of One Direction. 

Ed Sheeran performed at the reception.

The couple exchanged vows in a medieval chapel on the grounds of the castle, with the ceremony being conducted by the Reverend Dr. Stephen McWhirter.

Erica wore a wedding dress designed by Vera Wang, while McIlroy wore a traditional black tuxedo.

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed a lavish reception in the castle's grand ballroom, which was decorated with flowers, candles, and chandeliers.

The wedding reportedly cost around $564,000.  

The couple are said to have splashed out on luxury accommodation for their guests, including a private island on the castle's estate, where they enjoyed a post-wedding brunch.

Since their wedding, McIlroy and Erica have continued to enjoy a happy and successful relationship, with the golfer crediting his wife with helping him to stay grounded and focused on his career.

Do the couple have any children?

Yes 

McIlroy and Erica welcomed their first child, a daughter named Poppy Kennedy McIlroy on 31 August 2020.

He has expressed his excitement and joy at becoming a father. 

Poppy was pictured with McIlroy at the 2022 Masters alongside Erica at the Masters Par-3 Contest. 

What does Erica Stoll do now?

Since her marriage to McIlroy, Erica has maintained a low profile and has not publicly disclosed any information about her current employment.  

She has been seen attending golf tournaments with her husband and has been involved in the Rory Foundation.  

The Rory Foundation supports various causes related to children's health, education, and welfare.

Next page: Who is Rory McIlroy's caddie?