When it comes to life on and off the golf course, Rory McIlroy’s wife, Erica Stoll, has been a steady and supportive presence. Most recently, she showed her resilience at the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York, where hostile chants from fans and even a flying beer tested her composure. McIlroy later praised her, saying she handled everything with “class, poise, and dignity — like she always has.”
From New York to the Golf World
Stoll grew up in Irondequoit, New York, where she played tennis in high school before heading to the Rochester Institute of Technology, graduating in 2008 with a degree in marketing. Soon after, she landed her dream role working for the PGA of America, where she served as an office manager and later oversaw volunteer operations for championship events.
How They Met
The couple’s story began at the 2012 Ryder Cup in Medinah, Illinois. McIlroy nearly missed his tee time due to a time zone mix-up, but it was Stoll, then working for the PGA, who arranged a police escort to get him to the course in time. That first meeting planted the seeds of a friendship that would later blossom into romance.
From Friendship to Romance
At first, McIlroy and Stoll were just friends. In fact, the golfer was still engaged to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki when they met. It wasn’t until late 2014, after McIlroy’s high-profile breakup, that he and Stoll quietly began dating. By May 2015, McIlroy described his relationship with Erica as “going great” and something he preferred to keep private.
A Paris Proposal and Family Life
In late 2015, McIlroy proposed to Stoll during a trip to Paris. The couple tied the knot in 2017 in a lavish ceremony at Ashford Castle in Ireland. Three years later, they welcomed their daughter, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy, in 2020.
Standing By His Side
From Ryder Cups to PGA Championships, Stoll has been by McIlroy’s side at some of his biggest career moments. Despite challenges — including a brief divorce filing in 2024 that was later withdrawn — the couple remains together, with Erica continuing to show the quiet strength that has earned her admiration among McIlroy’s fans.
