Rory McIlroy is a name that carries a lot of weight in the world of professional golf. You see him on the 18th green, hoisting trophies or agonizing over a missed putt at a Major, and it’s easy to think his life is just one long highlight reel of perfect drives. But away from the fairways of Florida or the links of Ireland, his personal life has often been just as scrutinized as his swing. Naturally, fans and casual observers alike often find themselves asking: how many times has Rory McIlroy been married?
Honestly, the answer is simpler than the tabloids might lead you to believe.
The Magic Number: Rory’s Marital History
To set the record straight: Rory McIlroy has been married exactly one time.
Despite the high-profile romances and the engagement that ended in a viral whirlwind of phone calls and press releases, he has only ever walked down the aisle with one woman: Erica Stoll.
If you’re confused, it’s probably because Rory has lived a lot of life in the public eye since he was a curly-haired teenager from Holywood, Northern Ireland. People often conflate his long-term relationships and "almost-weddings" with actual marriages. But in the eyes of the law and the church, there’s only been one "I do."
Who is Erica Stoll?
Erica isn’t your typical "golf wife" looking for the spotlight. In fact, she’s famously private. She actually used to work for the PGA of America, which is how they met.
The story of their meeting is basically the plot of a sports rom-com. It was the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah. Rory—in a rare moment of chaos—overslept. He was about to miss his Sunday singles tee time, which would have been a disaster for Team Europe. Erica was the PGA employee who noticed he hadn't checked in, sounded the alarm, and eventually helped get him a police escort to the course.
He made the tee time. He won his match. But they didn't start dating right away. At the time, Rory was very famously with someone else.
💡 You might also like: Current Score of the Steelers Game: Why the 30-6 Texans Blowout Changed Everything
The Relationship That Didn't Make It to the Altar
You can't talk about Rory’s marriage without talking about Caroline Wozniacki. This is usually where the confusion about his "marriages" starts.
For three years, "Wozzilroy" was the undisputed power couple of the sports world. He was the #1 golfer; she was the #1 tennis player. They got engaged on New Year’s Eve in 2013. It looked like a done deal. The date was set, the invitations were printed, and the guest list was legendary.
Then, the "Brutal Realisation" happened.
In May 2014, just days after the wedding invitations were mailed out, Rory called the whole thing off. He famously stated that the invitations made him realize he wasn't ready for "all that marriage entails."
It was messy. It was public. And because it was so close to a wedding, many people still mistakenly think they were actually married. They weren't.
The 2017 Wedding at Ashford Castle
After the dust settled from the Wozniacki breakup, Rory reconnected with Erica Stoll. They started dating in late 2014, and things moved at a much more grounded pace. No "Wozzilroy" hashtags this time.
They got married on April 22, 2017.
📖 Related: Last Match Man City: Why Newcastle Couldn't Stop the Semenyo Surge
If you want to talk about a "human-quality" wedding, this was it—even if it cost a fortune. They chose Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland. It was a three-day celebration. They had Stevie Wonder fly in to perform "Isn't She Lovely." They had guests like Niall Horan and Chris Martin.
But here’s the thing: they kept it tight. No photos were sold to magazines. No live-tweeting the ceremony. For Rory, this marriage was clearly about building something away from the cameras.
The 2024 Divorce Scare: What Actually Happened?
If you've been Googling how many times has Rory McIlroy been married recently, you likely saw the headlines from May 2024.
Out of nowhere, news broke that Rory had filed for divorce from Erica in a Florida court. The documents claimed the marriage was "irretrievably broken." He showed up to the PGA Championship that week without his wedding ring.
The internet went into a tailspin. People started speculating about everything from burnout to "other women." For a month, it looked like Rory was headed toward being a "once-married, once-divorced" man.
But then came the U-turn.
Just before the 2024 U.S. Open, Rory’s legal team filed to voluntarily dismiss the divorce petition. Rory released a statement saying they had realized their "best future was as a family together."
👉 See also: Cowboys Score: Why Dallas Just Can't Finish the Job When it Matters
They decided to give it another go. They’ve since been seen together at tournaments, and Rory has been vocal about the "wake-up call" the filing provided. He’s back to wearing the ring, and as of 2026, they remain married.
Why the Confusion Persists
Why do people keep thinking he’s been married more than once?
- The Wozniacki Factor: The engagement was so high-profile that it occupies as much space in public memory as an actual marriage.
- Childhood Sweethearts: Before the fame, Rory was with Holly Sweeney for six years. They were the "local couple" everyone expected to marry, but they split in 2011.
- The 2024 Filing: Because he actually filed legal papers, many news outlets reported it as a "divorce," leading people to assume the process was completed. It wasn't.
Moving Forward: Lessons from Rory's Journey
Looking at Rory’s history, there are some pretty clear takeaways for anyone navigating high-pressure careers and relationships.
- Privacy is a Choice: Despite being a global icon, Rory and Erica have managed to keep their daughter, Poppy (born in 2020), largely out of the tabloids. It’s possible to have a public career and a private life if you set hard boundaries.
- The "Invite" Rule: Rory’s split from Wozniacki taught everyone a lesson: if it doesn't feel right when the invitations are in your hand, don't do it. It’s better to have a messy breakup than a miserable marriage.
- Reconciliation is Possible: The 2024 divorce reversal shows that even at the "filing papers" stage, couples can find a way back if they both want it.
If you’re following Rory’s career in 2026, you’re seeing a man who seems more settled. He’s weathered the storm of the LIV Golf drama and the personal turmoil of 2024. He’s still married to Erica Stoll, and they’ve been together for over a decade now.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to keep up with Rory’s personal and professional life without falling for the "clickbait" trap, keep these things in mind:
- Check the Legal Status: If you see a headline about a "split," wait for the final decree. As Rory proved in 2024, a filing isn't a finished story.
- Respect the "Private" Instagram: Erica Stoll keeps her social media private for a reason. Don't trust "leaked" info from accounts claiming to be her.
- Look at the 18th Green: In the world of golf, you can usually tell how Rory is doing by who is waiting for him after the final round. If Erica and Poppy are there, things are likely on solid ground.
Rory McIlroy has only been married once, but like his golf game, that journey has seen its fair share of bunkers and birdies. He’s managed to keep his family unit intact through some of the most public pressure imaginable.