Rory McIlroy has moved back to the UK after selling his dream home in Northern Ireland over a decade ago, with the recently-crowned Masters champion and his family now living in Surrey
Rory McIlroy has completed a major U-turn by returning to the UK for his wife Erica Stoll, over a decade after selling his dream home to relocate to Florida. Before clinching his first two major titles, McIlroy had his ideal mansion built in 2006 in his hometown of Holywood, Northern Ireland.
The property, which sat on 14 acres of land, featured a gym, tennis court, driving range and, importantly, a practice area at the back of his garden.
But due to spending such a large amount of time away on the PGA Tour, McIlroy listed the property for sale in 2012. It was purchased by former TV presenter Gary McCausland the following year for less than the £2million asking price.
The recent Masters champion upgraded in 2017 by moving into a mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, worth triple the value of his previous home on the Northern Irish coast. The luxury pad, previously owned by Ernie Els, is located within the exclusive Bear’s Club golf community.
Later addressing his decision, McIlroy stated: “My life is here. I have an American wife. I live in America. Honestly, I enjoy it here more. The way of life is easier. The weather. The convenience.”
But the 36-year-old, along with Erica and their four-year-old daughter, have now returned to the UK. They moved into a stunning Wentworth property in Surrey, England, following last month’s US Open. McIlroy had previously revealed his wife’s wish to relocate to the UK to escape the searing Florida heat.
He reportedly spent £9m on renovating the property, which sits close to London and Heathrow Airport, as well as one of the tees on the three courses at the famed Wentworth golf course, where the Ryder Cup was born almost a century ago. Now that the property is finished, McIlroy and Stoll have moved into the huge estate.
The couple faced well-documented marital problems before putting divorce proceedings aside after settling their differences last year.
Although McIlroy reportedly plans to split his time between his Florida home and Surrey for the time being, moving into the new mansion has been a huge relief and has rekindled his competitive spirit.
Speaking at the Renaissance Club in North Berwick ahead of the recent Genesis Scottish Open, McIlroy said: “We came back a few weeks ago and moved into our new home in Wentworth and have been trying to settle in. It’s amazing what two weeks of a bit of detachment can do for you.
“Sitting there being with your own thoughts for a while. Yeah, it’s been nice to have this time to reflect and also to rekindle my excitement and enthusiasm for the rest of the year. Obviously, we have this week in Scotland and then a massive week next week [for the Open] in Portrush.”
McIlroy’s form nosedived after he broke an 11-year major drought by securing the career Grand Slam with a win at the Masters in April. He only managed to tie for 47th at the PGA Championship and secured a 19th-place finish at the US Open.