Rory McIlroy’s Upcoming Move to Surrey Places Him Amongst Celebrity Neighbours
Following a triumphant season on the green, five-time major winner Rory McIlroy is set for an exciting new chapter off the golf course. The Northern Irish golfer, together with his wife Erica Stoll and their daughter Poppy, will soon swap the sunny fairways of Florida for the leafy lanes of Surrey, establishing their new home in one of the UK’s most prestigious neighbourhoods.
McIlroy’s move comes hot on the heels of his remarkable Masters win at Augusta, which not only ended a long-awaited major drought but also secured him the elusive career Grand Slam—an exclusive achievement matched by just a handful of elite golfers across history. The victory was celebrated with a heartfelt visit to his hometown of Holywood, Northern Ireland, where McIlroy spent time with family in the wake of his sporting success.
However, before returning to Belfast, the McIlroy family made an important detour. They flew privately into London and visited a stately Surrey mansion, soon to become their official residence. This property, situated on the iconic Wentworth Golf Club estate, has reportedly undergone renovations totalling over €10 million, ensuring the family’s move will be both comfortable and stylish.
For years, Florida has been the family’s primary base, offering McIlroy year-round training amid a community of equally high-profile neighbours spanning sport, entertainment, and business. The climate and world-class golf facilities of Jupiter, Florida, have served his professional ambitions well. Nonetheless, both McIlroy and his wife have made no secret of their long-standing wish to settle in the UK, a dream set to become reality next month as they relocate to Surrey.
The move will see McIlroy and his family joining a veritable who’s who of the sporting and celebrity world. The area is already famed for attracting notable names from golf, such as Ernie Els, Ryder Cup veterans Thomas Bjorn and Paul McGinley, and even Masters rival Justin Rose. Sports personalities from other fields abound too: former England football captain John Terry and ex-cricket star Kevin Pietersen both reside in the district, with figures like Formula One’s Eddie Jordan and former footballer Andriy Shevchenko previously calling Wentworth home.
But it isn’t only athletes who are drawn to the exclusivity of Surrey’s private estates. Music legends including Elton John and Cliff Richard have owned homes within the vicinity, while figures as contrasting as the Sultan of Brunei, business magnate Petr Aven, oil tycoon Aidan Heavey, and even the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, have enjoyed the tranquillity and privacy where McIlroy will soon reside.
The appeal of Wentworth and its neighbouring enclaves lies not just in its prestigious post code, but also in its seclusion, lush surroundings, and excellent transport links to central London and major international airports. These factors have made it a natural magnet for those seeking both discretion and convenience.
However, life amidst such grandeur is not without its tales of intrigue. British new wave pioneer Gary Numan once revealed eerie experiences while living on the edge of the renowned golf club. In a 2019 interview, he recounted mysterious occurrences, from unexplained darkness to a series of supernatural events, claiming his house was possibly haunted—a reminder that even the most privileged addresses can have their share of surprises.
While the allure of Surrey’s luxury and exclusivity is undeniable, the McIlroys’ imminent arrival will undoubtedly cause a stir among the local celebrity set. As they prepare to settle into their newly renovated mansion, the family joins an illustrious roster of past and present Wentworth residents, further solidifying the estate’s reputation as a top choice for global icons.
The shift emphasises a notable trend: even in an era when so many celebrities opt for transatlantic lifestyles, the draw of quintessential English countryside living—complete with stately homes and storied neighbours—remains stronger than ever. For Rory McIlroy and his family, this next chapter promises both fresh beginnings and the continuation of a legacy intertwined with sporting excellence.