“The support of my family, especially my wife and daughter, means everything.” Rory and Erica’s relationship seems steady, private, and grounded. They’re not flashy over the media, but you can tell there’s a strong sense of loyalty and mutual respect between them. Even during their rough patch in May 2024, with the divorce, it was called off just weeks later. Rory said they realized their best future was together and worked through things privately.

Since then, Rory McIlroy and his wife Erica appear closer than ever, focusing on their family and a fresh start. Their bond seems rooted in quiet support, shared values, and a strong commitment to family.

Who is Rory McIlroy’s Wife? Meet Erica Stroll

Erica Stoll was born in 1988 and grew up in Irondequoit, a quiet suburb of Rochester, New York. She attended Irondequoit High School and graduated from there in 2003. Playing tennis from a young age, her school years were marked by her competitiveness on the court. Needless to say, she was sporty, disciplined, and focused. Erica Stoll stood out without ever chasing the spotlight.

After high school, she attended the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) as a marketing student and graduated in 2008. She was practical and organized, leaning towards roles where attention to detail and perfection mattered more than visibility — a theme she carried later in her work with golf administration.

Erica Stoll’s Career and Connection to Golf

During her time at RIT, Erica’s proximity to Oak Hill, which was the host of the 2008 PGA Championship, brought her close to golf. She admired the professionalism of the PGA staff and eventually began working for the PGA of America, first as an on-site office manager, then as a full-time employee.

Her role was mostly behind the scenes. From coordinating logistics to handling transportation, she made sure things ran smoothly at tournaments. Among the crowd of populars, she was not chasing fame. Instead, she preferred to be the person ensuring others could perform.

Her defining professional moment came at the 2012 Ryder Cup in Medinah. Rory McIlroy was at the time playing his second Ryder Cup and accidentally mixed up his tee time by an hour because of a time zone mistake. Erica was in the field and noticed that Rory was missing, which prompted her to raise the alarm. A police escort then rushed Rory to the course, who arrived just in time to beat Keegan Bradley by 2 & 1. That Ryder Cup became famous as the “Miracle at Medinah,” but for Rory, it was where his life changed.

He recalled years later, “Erica that week was always the one that was checking us in and out. She was there at transportation, so she was always in the car park over there. But yeah, it’s still cool to look around and think about that week, and obviously everything that’s happened since then. It’s pretty cool.”

Erica Stoll and Rory McIlroy: Relationship Timeline

When Rory McIlroy and Erica first met, he was fresh from his public split with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, whom he had been briefly engaged to in 2013. Erica and Rory started as friends, but by 2014, they had quietly begun dating.

Their relationship first came to light in 2015, when Rory was spotted with Erica at restaurants like 2Vine and the Magpie pub during the PGA Championship. Later that year, he confirmed to The Times of London that they had been dating for six or seven months, adding, “I am very happy in my love life. We haven’t really been putting it out there. She is from America, which is why I like to spend time in Palm Beach … The past six or seven months have been really nice. That part of my life is going great.”

Rory described her as a grounding influence, saying he found it refreshing to be with someone living a “normal life” rather than caught up in luxury and jet-setting. He often credited Erica with bringing balance to his world, helping him navigate the split between public fame and private life.

He proposed to her in Paris in 2015, and two years later, they tied the knot. The ceremony was lavish but carefully protected, and was held at Ashford Castle in Ireland. The wedding featured musical performances by Stevie Wonder and appearances from Ed Sheeran, Chris Martin, and Niall Horan. Golf stars like Sergio Garcia, Shane Lowry, Martin Kaymer, and Padraig Harrington were on the guest list, alongside celebrities like Jamie Dornan and Ryan Giggs. Reports suggested the wedding cost $1.2 million, with anti-drone technology deployed to keep it private.

Afterward, the couple escaped to Inchagoill Island and Canouan Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for a private honeymoon.

Erica Stoll and Rory McIlroy’s Children

Three years into their marriage, Rory and Erica welcomed their daughter, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy, on August 31, 2020, in Jupiter, Florida. Now five years old, Poppy has already captured plenty of hearts at her dad’s tournaments.

She first drew attention in her tiny caddie outfits at the Masters Par 3 Contest, walking alongside Rory and stealing the spotlight. She was also there for Rory’s 2025 Masters win, where fans loved a funny moment when she skipped congratulating her dad just to run over and hug golfer Tommy Fleetwood.

Despite these glimpes, Rory and Erica have been intentional about giving her a grounded upbringing. Rory has said Poppy helps put everything in perspective, often sharing the story of how she once asked him, “Daddy, are you famous?” after overhearing people at an event.

Erica Stoll at Rory McIlroy’s Public Events

Though Erica prefers to stay in the background, she makes her presence felt at important moments. She was seen with Poppy at the 2024 PLAYERS Championship and again at the 2025 Masters, supporting Rory on the biggest stages.

Rory often emphasizes that Erica is the steady hand who balances his tour life with family life. “Erica has been around me quite a lot at tournaments, but we have really just tried to keep it low-key. She is a very low-key person, not the kind to broadcast stuff, but that side of my life is really good just now,” he once said.

Who are Erica Stoll’s Parents?

Erica Stoll was raised by her parents, Mark and Bonnie Stoll. From the start, her childhood was filled with family traditions when it came to treats for holidays or special events. Erica once even baked goodies for a PGA event, which says a lot about how she blended her home life with her job. Her parents kept things simple, raising Erica and her sister Natalie with strong values, kindness, and a sense of calm that still shows in how Erica carries herself today.

Her parents have always kept a low profile, but the Stolls were big on supporting their daughters, whether it was tennis practice, weekend sailing, or just helping them find their own path. Erica picked up a lot from those early days, being patient, staying organized, and learning to keep cool under pressure, which helped her in her PGA Tour career. Growing up close with her sister also taught her how to be a team player, which really fits the behind-the-scenes role she’s always preferred.

Erica Strolls on Social Media

Despite being married to one of golf’s biggest stars, Erica Stoll keeps her social media super low-key. Her only public Instagram is @egm290, which she uses under the name “Erica McIlroy.” It’s a private account with 239 posts, about 207 followers, and minimal activity. She doesn’t post about golf or life in the spotlight; instead, it seems she prefers sharing personal moments with close friends. It’s clear Erica values her privacy and stays grounded, letting Rory’s fame take center stage.

She devotes her life to her daughter and Rory’s career, and it seems she’ll keep doing so for many years to come.

Although she remains private, her presence in Rory McIlroy’s life is undeniable. Who would have thought that two people who met accidentally at the Ryder Cup mishap would end up spending their lives with each other? Their marriage has faced challenges, sure, but their ability to rebuild it shows just how strong their bond is.