Rory McIlroy has seen his love life thrust into the spotlight during his golf career – but many may have forgotten rumors in the past of a possible romance with Meghan Markle

Rory McIlroy and Meghan Markle were once in a suspected romance – but all was perhaps not as it seemed (Image: @McIlroyRory/Twitter)

Meghan Markle has often been the focus of media attention in recent years, but a huge number of people may not remember her previous links to Rory McIlroy.

While not as high-profile as marrying into royalty in the form of Prince Harry, McIlroy’s love-life has also made headlines at times, particularly since his golf career hit the big time. The Northern Ireland native found himself in the spotlight after announcing his divorce from Erica Stoll in 2024, only to reverse the decision as they gave their relationship another try.

But this wasn’t the first time the four-time major winner’s personal life has attracted public interest. We have delved into McIlroy’s connection with the former Suits actress and the relationship rumors that were sparked, as well as his former partners.

Meghan Markle rumors

During the height of the ‘ALS Ice Bucket Challenge’ in 2014, McIlroy sparked rumours when he nominated Markle, who was still starring in Suits at the time. She agreed, but only if McIlroy was the one to douse her with the icy water at her apartment.

McIlroy and a companion reportedly enjoyed a meal and drinks at the Fitzpatrick Hotel in New York. Despite speculation of a budding romance, they remained just friends, even though their chemistry did not go unnoticed by fans of both golf and her TV shows.

On her now-defunct blog ‘The Tig’, Markle 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 onto my lone head for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. That Rory McIlroy.

Markle has since moved on to big things of her own (Image: Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP)

“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.”

In the end, despite the rumors, their relationship was believed to have remained strictly platonic.

First love

McIlroy suddenly left 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥hood sweetheart Holly Sweeney (Image: PA)

McIlroy and 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥hood sweetheart Holly Sweeney seemed destined for a lifetime together. In the 2011 documentary ‘Rory’s Major Breakthrough’, he said: “She knows me better than basically anyone else in this world does, apart from my parents. And someone like that with you is very grounding.”

However, things took a turn when McIlroy’s eyes wandered to former World No1 tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. Shortly after the documentary, he parted ways with Sweeney to pursue a relationship with Wozniacki.

A devastated Sweeney opened up to the Sunday Mirror, and said: “I never thought he would do this to me. I always suspected he had a thing for her. He’s always been a big fan of tennis. When he was watching the women’s games he always said he fancied her but I didn’t take it that seriously – little did I know.

“It was Rory that ran away with Caroline – not the other way around – so I guess I blame Rory, or both of them if I’m totally honest. Obviously we’d separated before, but that wasn’t for any other reason than that we thought we were too young to be in such a serious relationship. This was a different thing altogether.”

Caroline Wozniacki relationship

Rory was engaged to Caroline Wozniacki but broke things off (Image: PA)

McIlroy and Wozniacki’s romance blossomed after they met at a boxing match in 2011, leading to dating and supporting each other at major events. He popped the question in 2013, but by 2014, their relationship had ended.

Speaking to the Daily Mail in May 2014, he said: “There is no right way to end a relationship that has been so important to two people. The problem is mine. The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realise that I wasn’t ready for all that marriage entails.

“I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we’ve had. I will not be saying anything more about our relationship in any setting.”

$300m net-worth

The Northern Irishman boasts one of the biggest fortunes in golf (Image: Getty Images)

While McIlroy’s love life has been unpredictable, his wealth has been consistently sky high. According to the PGA Tour website, he has earned more than $96m in PGA Tour winnings alone.

However, this figure is only a small part of his total earnings and assets; as of February 2025, his net worth was estimated to be around $300m. In addition to his on-course earnings, McIlroy has also made a significant amount of money through endorsement deals with companies such as TaylorMade, Nike, NBC Sports, Omega, Optum and Workday.

In 2017, he extended his sponsorship contract with Nike for 10 more years, reportedly worth $10m per year. It is estimated that he earns around $35m per year in endorsement deals.

McIlroy also founded a venture capitalist firm called Symphony Ventures in 2019. In an interview with the New York Times, he said: “I had gotten to a point where I had done financially well on the golf course.

“We were looking to do something different. It was, do I open another wealth management portfolio and do the same thing again? Or do I do something like this, as a great introduction to meet new people?”