Professional golfer Rory McIlroy made history on April 13 when he became one of only six athletes in the sport to complete a career Grand Slam, winning the 2025 Masters tournament in a nail-biting playoff against Justin Rose.
The 35-year-old went into the competition in Augusta, GA, having already claimed victories in three of the four major golf championships: the U.S. Open, the Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. But he admitted that he was fearful his dream of adding a Masters win to that list was far out of reach—even for an athlete of his skill level.
“I started to wonder if it would ever be my time,” he said in the wake of the tournament, according to the Associated Press, adding: “My dreams have been made today.”
After his win, McIlroy—who won $4.2 million in prize money in addition to the iconic green blazer handed to the winner of the Masters each year—shared a heartwarming message with his 4-year-old daughter, Poppy, who he shares with wife Erica Stoll.
“Never give up on your dreams,” he told the youngster. “Never, ever give up on your dreams.”
McIlroy’s tournament win was made all the more significant by the presence of his wife and child, particularly as it came 11 months after the golfer sensationally filed for divorce from his spouse of seven years—before calling off their split just weeks later.
The brief breakdown of the marriage sparked a firestorm of speculation about the reasons behind it, with multiple reports suggesting that McIlroy had been involved in a relationship with CBS reporter Amanda Balionis, rumors that both refused to publicly address—although insiders were quick to shut down any talk of a romance between them.
Questions were also raised about what would become of McIlroy’s immense fortune if he and Stoll split. The professional golfer is estimated to be worth around $280 million, much of which he has accumulated through his prize winnings, which regularly total more than $1 million a pop.
His most recent win at the Masters netted him $4.2 million, while he walked away from the Players Championship in March with $4.6 million. Following his win in Augusta, he will next head to Louisiana for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where he stands to win more than $1 million.
But in addition to his skills on the golf course, McIlroy has taken another major step in building his vast fortune—by basing himself in Jupiter, FL.
The small town has long been a mecca for golfers who are drawn to its stunning courses, beautiful weather, luxury real estate, and relative privacy. But there is one other very significant reason why so many athletes in the sport choose to flock to Florida: no state income tax.
Typically, golfers who reside fulltime in the U.S. must pay income taxes on all taxable income that is earned worldwide, according to H&R Block. However they are also subject to state income tax, if they live in a state that requires it.
“Consequently, many golfers claim residency in Florida due to its lack of a state income tax,” H&R Block notes.
Indeed, McIlroy is one of a long line of golfers who have made their home in Florida—specifically in Jupiter, which has become something of a save haven for the wealthiest and most successful players in the sport over the last three decades.
McIlroy relocated to Jupiter from nearby Palm Beach Gardens in 2017, when he snapped up an enormous mansion from fellow golf pro, Ernie Els.
The property is located inside the iconic Bear’s Club community, a gated neighborhood filled with high-end homes, all of which surround the club’s stunning private golf course.
Golfing legend Jack Nicklaus, who has served as something of a mentor to McIlroy, founded the club with wife Barbara in 1999, having moved to the area in 1966.
Over the years, the club has seen an astonishing number of professional golfers sign up for memberships, including McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson, and Patrick Cantlay, all of whom are understood to have turned to Nicklaus for guidance in their careers over the years.
McIlroy’s home, which is now worth an estimated $18.3 million, is just a four-minute drive from the main clubhouse and offers sweeping views of the club’s stunning course.
While the professional golfer might not have the opportunity to spend vast amounts of time in the home— thanks to his hectic travel schedule—when he is there, he has a staggering number of private amenities to enjoy, including a tennis court, home theater, a recording studio, an outdoor kitchen, a pool, and a spa.
Inside, the home—which is set on 2.4 acres—boasts nine bedrooms and 10.5 bathrooms, providing plenty of space for McIlroy and his family.
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