Masters champion Rory McIlroy silenced fellow golfer Paul McGinley after securing back-to-back victories at Augusta. McIlroy fended off his rivals on Sunday to claim triumph, mere days after McGinley dismissed his prospects. This isn’t the first time the former Ryder Cup captain has courted controversy with comments relating to the six-time major champion. McGinley also delivered remarks about McIlroy’s wife Erica Stoll which didn’t sit too well with many at the time.
McIlroy and Stoll tied the knot in 2017 and have a daughter together but appeared set to split up in 2024 before ultimately reconciling just weeks after a divorce filing. The couple were able to celebrate for a second successive Masters Sunday thanks to the world No.2’s narrow victory. However, in Alan Shipnuck’s book ‘Rory: The Heartache and Triumph of Golf’s Most Human Superstar’, McGinley offered a peculiar observation about McIlroy’s private life. He implied Caroline Harrington, wife of Irish golfer Padraig, would be a more suitable match for him than Stoll.
“It can’t be easy being Rory’s wife,” McGinley said. “I’m sure it’s not easy for her because she’s quiet by nature.
“Caroline Harrington would have been perfect as Rory’s wife. She loves Padraig being a professional golfer more than Padraig loves being a professional golfer.
“But Erica is quiet and she kind of keeps her thoughts to herself. She’s had to find where she fits in and where she doesn’t.”
McGinley also played down McIlroy’s title prospects at Augusta this year and these remarks did not age well. Speaking on the eve of this year’s Masters, he explained why he could not envisage a successful title defence from the 36-year-old.
“I think it (McIlroy’s game) is a bit off to be honest,” McGinley said. “I don’t think he is in his prime. The injury [earlier in 2026] has derailed him a little bit. It’s very difficult to defend.
“His concentration level will be tested because of the activities that go on. It’s a good problem to have but I don’t know if it’s going to drive him to a top level performance.”
McGinley instead tipped Bob MacIntyre for victory, suggesting “it is only a matter of time before he wins a major”. However, while MacIntyre failed to make the cut at Augusta after shooting seven over par through his first two rounds, McIlroy dominated from start to finish.
The defending champ was level at the top after the opening round and had established a six-shot lead at the halfway stage. He was back in a share of the lead after a tricky third round but a 71 on Sunday proved sufficient to finish one stroke ahead of Scottie Scheffler and claim the $4.5million (£3.35m) first prize.
“I can’t believe I waited 17 times to get one Green Jacket and now I get two in a row,” McIlroy said following a sixth major victory of his career. “All my perseverance at this golf course over the years has started to pay off.”