Rory McIlroy has frequently grabbed headlines over the years, both for his historic Masters triumph, other golfing achievements and romantic relationships with various women. The Northern Irishman is now wed to Erica Stoll and the couple share a daughter, Poppy. However, there was a period when a young McIlroy was navigating the highs and lows of romance.

The 36-year-old’s first public relationship was with longstanding partner Holly Sweeney, whom he dated for six years. Speaking following his US Open victory in 2011, McIlroy explained how his then-20-year-old girlfriend kept him grounded despite his rising fame. He said: “Holly and I have been together since I had just turned 16 and she was 14. She knows me better than basically anyone else in this world does, apart from my parents. And to have someone like that with you is very grounding.”

He added: “She’s obviously my girlfriend but she’s also become my best friend over the past few years. I can say things to her that I wouldn’t be able to say to anyone else.”

The couple parted ways in 2011 and McIlroy swiftly moved on with tennis sensation Caroline Wozniacki that same year. This left Sweeney devastated, as she revealed to the Irish Sunday Mirror just how deeply the split had affected her. She 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.”

McIlroy dated Wozniacki for a number of years, getting down on one knee in 2013 before ending the engagement just months afterwards.

Addressing the break up in a statement in May 2014, he said: “The problem is mine. The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realize 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.”

Speaking candidly about the “difficult time” at the BMW PGA Championship, McIlroy added: “It is quite a difficult time for Caroline and myself, and the statement really said it all this morning. It was mutual, and we both thought it was the best for us, the best for both of us.

“Time to move on, and I’ve said all that I need to say.” McIlroy subsequently began dating current partner Erica Stoll, whom he initially met at the Ryder Cup in 2012 – while still with Wozniacki. The couple didn’t become an item until following his separation from the tennis player in 2014 and things progressed smoothly at the outset.

Discussing his relationship in 2015, McIlroy said: “I am very happy in my love life. … The past six or seven months have been really nice. That part of my life is going great.”

The couple became engaged in December 2015 and married in 2017, welcoming their daughter, Poppy, three years afterwards. Nevertheless, their relationship hit difficulties in May 2024 when McIlroy lodged for divorce after seven years of marriage.

This application was withdrawn just a month afterwards and they started working on their relationship. The Masters champion said: “Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”

McIlroy was linked with CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis during his brief separation from Stoll. Additional names romantically connected to the golfer included Meghan Markle after he developed a friendship with the current Royal in 2014.

McIlroy is being backed by Stoll and his young daughter as he attempts to secure consecutive Green Jackets in Georgia.