Erica Stoll to weigh up name change as Rory McIlroy gets set for knighthood
Should Rory McIlroy get knighted as expected, his wife Erica will face name change call as Beckham precedent sets the tone.
Erica Stoll may soon have a very public decision to make — because if her husband Rory McIlroy receives the knighthood many now expect after his historic 2025 season, she’ll be officially known as Lady Erica.
McIlroy’s Masters mania in April didn’t just complete the career Grand Slam — it ignited serious talk that the 36-year-old is now on the fast track to becoming Sir Rory McIlroy. And if that honour arrives, his wife’s title can change.
Four titles including a Green Jacket, an away Ryder Cup win and seventh Race to Dubai to move within one of Monty, and the case for a knighthood has never looked stronger in 2025.
McIlroy hasn’t played down the idea either, recently calling a knighthood “an unbelievably massive honour” and something that would be “a very proud moment.”
Fans, pundits and even voices within the sport increasingly believe it’s only a matter of time until it happens for the five-time major champion.
Of British golfers, only Sir Nick Faldo has more majors than McIlroy with six.
Faldo and Sir Henry Cotton are the only two British golfers to ever receive a knighthood.
The Beckham effect adds fuel too — with McIlroy’s Manchester United hero David Beckham finally knighted this year, instantly transforming his wife Victoria into Lady Victoria, exactly the same courtesy title Erica would receive.
While knighthoods for active athletes were once rare, Sir Andy Murray and Sir Lewis Hamilton proved that precedent is fading.
And let's be honest, even Gareth Southgate got one for winning, well, nothing...
McIlroy’s global impact, longevity and leadership arguably make him the next in line of British sportsmen.
And we fully back it here at GolfMagic.
What's coming up for Rory?
McIlroy returns Down Under for the first time since 2014 at next week's Crown Australian Open at the famous Royal Melbourne — one of the best golf courses in Australia.
The World No.2 will then turn his attention to the new Optum Golf Channel Games (with a dodgy AI-based advert) against World No.1 Scottie Scheffler on 17 December.
A few days later he's got the BBC Sports Personality of the Year to attend to in Salford, an award Rory is looking to win for the very first time — and with it join Faldo and Dai Rees as just the third golfer in 70 years.
But the biggest storyline surrounding McIlroy right now:
Is golf about to welcome Sir Rory McIlroy — and with him, Lady Erica?
At this point, it feels almost inevitable.
Andy Roberts first joined GolfMagic on a month's work experience back in April 2011.
Andy then assumed the role of GolfMagic Editor in 2015.
