Rory McIlroy’s messy love life – from brutal wedding dumping to Meghan Markle romance rumours
Rory Mcllroy’s love life hasn’t been as smooth sailing as his time on the course.
The Northern Irishman, 35, is one of Europe’s most successful golf players and has dated many women in the spotlight. His most recent relationship came to an end after it was announced earlier this week that he filed for divorce from his wife-of-seven-years, Erica Stoll.
The couple, who tied the knot in 2017, share a three-year-old daughter called Poppy, and McIlroy has called for a ‘respectful and amicable’ process. As the exes seek a co-parenting agreement, the Mirror looks back on Rory’s love life over the years…
Meghan Markle rumours
Long before Meghan Markle found happiness with Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex was linked to Rory. Back in the summer of 2014, Meghan – who was at the height of her Suits fame – struck up an unexpected friendship with the golf star. Romance rumours came after he nominated her to do the Ice Bucket Challenge for the ALS Association.
The viral trend saw those taking part throw ice-cold water over themselves and post a video of it on social media to raise awareness of ALS, a type of motor neurone disease. Meghan accepted the nomination on one condition – Rory threw the ice-cold water over her himself. After the video was posted on social media, it was reported the pair enjoyed drinks and dinner in New York.
Shortly afterwards, Meghan gushed about her pal on her former blog, The Tig, calling him the “real deal”. She wrote: “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.
“‘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.”
