Why Rory McIlroy’s wife was left ‘p*****d off’ by Tiger Woods’ 4am texts

Rory McIlroy’s close friendship with Tiger Woods has reportedly caused tension at home, with McIlroy’s wife, Erica Stoll, said to have been left frustrated by a string of early-morning text messages from the 15-time major champion.

According to golf journalist Alan Shipnuck in his new book Rory: The Heartache and Triumph of Golf’s Most Human Superstar, Woods would regularly message McIlroy in the early hours — often around 4am — while in the middle of late-night training sessions.

The habit, Shipnuck claims, has never gone down well with Stoll, who has reportedly been left irritated by the repeated disturbances.

McIlroy previously addressed Woods’ unusual routine in 2017, suggesting the American’s intense training schedule contributed to his difficulty sleeping.

“He struggles to sleep, which I think is an effect of over-training, so I tell him to calm down sometimes,” McIlroy said, according to Shipnuck's book. 

The Northern Irishman also recalled the late-night messages directly, adding: “He’d be texting me at four o’clock in the morning: ‘Up lifting. What are you doing?’ Erica actually got p****d off with it. He was texting me in the middle of the night, and I was like, ‘Tiger is in the gym.’”

McIlroy and Stoll married in 2017 and have largely kept their private life out of the spotlight. 

However, the couple briefly made headlines in 2024 when they filed for divorce, before withdrawing the petition a month later.

Despite the reported frustration, McIlroy has long spoken with admiration about Woods, describing him as both an inspiration and close confidant.

Their relationship has evolved from rivalry into partnership, with the pair co-founding TMRW Sports, the company behind TGL — an indoor golf league designed to modernise the game.

“He’s an intriguing character,” McIlroy said of Woods in 2017. 

“You could spend two hours in his company and see four different sides to him. He’s thoughtful, he’s smart.”

In 2022, McIlroy again reflected on their bond, saying: “He has been an idol and a hero of mine over the years. I feel pretty lucky that I’ve gotten to know him more intimately than some.”

Woods, meanwhile, is not competing at this week's Masters as he focuses on treatment and his health following his car crash and DUI arrest in Florida on 27 March. 

The 15-time major champion has not played competitively since missing the cut at The Open at Royal Troon in July 2024.

McIlroy, on the other hand, is chasing a sixth major title as he looks to continue his strong form at Augusta.

The grand slam champion is looking to become just the fourth player in history to successfully defend the coveted Green Jacket at The Masters. 

He holds a share of the 54-hole lead alongside Cameron Young. 

McIlroy was six shots ahead entering the weekend but he slumped to a sloppy 73, while Young vaulted up the board with a 65.