Rory McIlroy is one of the most successful golfers in history – prompting more and more people are talking about the Northern Irishman being in line for a knighthood
11:50, 14 Nov 2025Updated 11:51, 14 Nov 2025
Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll could be in line for major name changes at some point(Image: Getty Images)
Erica Stoll could become ‘Lady Erica’ if her husband, Rory McIlroy, is ever awarded a knighthood. Speculation about the Northern Irish star becoming ‘Sir Rory’ began to circulate after his iconic Masters triumph in April.
By finally slipping on the green jacket, McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam, becoming only the sixth male golfer in the modern era to achieve the feat. Among British players, only Sir Nick Faldo has won more majors during this period – and Faldo is one of just two golfers ever knighted, the other being three-time Open champion Henry Cotton.
Many believe McIlroy, who recently inspired Europe to an away Ryder Cup win, has more than earned the honour. Speaking about the prospect of becoming a knight this week, the 36-year-old admitted it would be “an unbelievably massive honour.”
He added: “That’s obviously up to people a lot more powerful and important than me. But I mean, if it were to happen one day, it would be a very proud moment in my life.”
It comes in the wake of David Beckham’s long-anticipated knighthood. The England and Manchester United legend had been linked with the honour for years, finally receiving it earlier this month after being named in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
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As a result, Sir David’s wife, Victoria Beckham, is now formally styled ‘Lady Victoria’ – a title Stoll would likewise assume if Rory were to receive the same honour.
Rory and Erica started dating in 2015 and tied the knot two years later. In 2020, their daughter Poppy was born. In May 2024, Rory filed for divorce, but withdrew the filing a month later, stating that he and Erica had “resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
Knighthoods are typically not awarded to athletes before they retire but several high-profile sports stars have broken that pattern in recent years – among them Sir Andy Murray, honoured in 2019, and Sir Lewis Hamilton, knighted in 2021.
McIlroy, who received an MBE in 2012 for his services to golf, is currently in Dubai competing in the DP World Tour Championship. He entered the tournament as the defending champion after winning by two strokes last year.
McIlroy and Stoll have been married since 2017(Image: Getty Images)
That victory was his third at the event, adding to titles in 2012 and 2015. He made a strong start on Thursday, opening with three consecutive birdies on his way to his 15th round of 66 or better on the Earth Course.
It left him two shots behind American leader Michael Kim at the end of the first round. “I got off to the perfect start,” McIlroy said.
“I felt like that was probably one of the best sort of approach play rounds I’ve had in a long time. My wedge play felt really sharp. Had a lot of good iron shots. I feel like I don’t want to sound like I’m that disappointed but I feel like I left a few out there. I missed a couple of short ones.
“Overall, it was a really solid start on a golf course that I’m very comfortable on and historically I’ve played very well on.”
Round two has proved more challenging for the Ulsterman. Two bogeys on the front nine sent him sliding down the leaderboard, leaving him with a significant task if he’s to claw his way back into contention for the title.
