**Rory McIlroy Returns to UK Roots in Major Move with Wife Erica Stoll**
Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy has made headlines this summer after leaving Florida to set up home in Surrey, England—a significant life change described as a “stunning U-turn” in his personal circumstances. After more than ten years across the Atlantic, McIlroy and his wife, Erica Stoll, are once again making the United Kingdom their main base, marking a new chapter for the high-profile couple.
McIlroy’s journey has come full circle since he first designed his dream home in Holywood, Northern Ireland, back in 2006, just as his golf career was taking off. That property was a golfer’s paradise: sprawling over 14 acres, it included a state-of-the-art gym, tennis court, private driving range, and, remarkably, a custom practice area right in the back garden, conveniently tailored for a young athlete climbing the ranks.
However, the demands and constant travel of the PGA Tour soon led McIlroy to list the property in 2012. He later sold it for less than £2 million to Gary McCausland, a well-known former television presenter, closing the door—temporarily, it now seems—on his roots in the British Isles.
The move to Florida felt like the natural next step for McIlroy, who, with his burgeoning profile, upgraded to a luxurious mansion in Palm Beach in 2017. This impressive estate, once owned by fellow golfer Ernie Els, sits comfortably within the exclusive Bear’s Club community, reflecting not only McIlroy’s success but also the appeal of the American way of life. He publicly stated at the time, “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.”
Despite these sentiments, a dramatic shift followed this year, attributed largely to personal preferences within the family. McIlroy’s wife Erica reportedly found the Florida climate overbearing, and the couple expressed a desire to be closer to London. Following his latest US Open campaign, McIlroy invested in a lavish new estate in Wentworth, Surrey—spending an estimated £9 million. Not only is the home conveniently near Heathrow Airport, but it also borders one of the tees at the celebrated Wentworth golf course, historically significant as the birthplace of the Ryder Cup.
Not everything about the relocation went smoothly. Earlier reports alluded to marital difficulties which saw the couple temporarily begin divorce proceedings last year. Nevertheless, reconciliation followed, and moving into their new UK home appears to have offered stability and a fresh start. While McIlroy has said he expects to split his time between Florida and Surrey for now, sources close to the family report that the transition has been a positive one, providing the grounding and comfort they had hoped for.
The timing of the move seems to have revitalised McIlroy well beyond his family life. In recent remarks at the Renaissance Club, just before the Genesis Scottish Open, the world-class golfer reflected on settling into the Wentworth estate: “We came back a few weeks ago and moved into our new home… It’s amazing what two weeks of detachment can do for you.” He added that this period of reflection rekindled his enthusiasm for the sport, noting how necessary a change of scene can be for personal and professional re-energising.
While his form post-Masters victory earlier in the year saw a slight decline—McIlroy placed 47th at the PGA Championship and 19th at the US Open—he seems now to be finding his feet once again. Entering the Open at Portrush tied for fourth place, the golf world is watching to see whether this move will catalyse another burst of success for the superstar.
With his wife and young daughter now firmly planted once more in British soil, Rory McIlroy’s return to the UK is shaping up as one of the most significant off-course stories in golf this year. As the dust settles on their grand Surrey estate, fans and observers are left to reflect on the balance of personal happiness and career ambition in one of golf’s brightest talents.