Rory is teed up for love with Erica ...and dad approves
Couple are ‘very close’
GOLFER Rory McIlroy has introduced his new girlfriend, Erica Stoll, to his father – and it seems Gerry McIlroy approves of his son’s new birdie.
Rory, who has been linked to a number of women since his split from tennis ace Caroline Wozniacki, is now dating US PGA employee Erica.
And sources have told the Irish Mail on Sunday that Rory is quite smitten with Erica and could be ready to make their relationship more permanent.
He has even introduced her to his father, Gerry.
‘Rory takes the opinion of his parents, in particular his father, very seriously. His dad likes Erica. They have met a number of times and he thinks that she is good for him,’ said a source.
Despite being linked with a number of women this year – including American model Ashley Bongiovanni and Irish model and singer Nadia Forde – Rory has told friends that he thinks it could get serious with Erica.
‘He’s not ready for a fullon relationship; he’s just broken off an engagement. But himself and Erica are very close,’ said a source.
New York native Erica now lives in Florida, where she works for the USPGA.
In fact, she lives in the same exclusive enclave of Palm Beach Gardens in Florida as Rory does. She regularly posts pictures on Instagram and Twitter depicting a typically Floridian lifestyle of yachting, sunbathing and seaside cocktails in Naples and St. Petersburg.
She and Rory are understood to have known each other for years as they are both regular travellers on the golf circuit.
‘Erica’s a huge fan and works in the sport’
In fact, it was Erica who realised that Rory was late for his tee time at the 2012 Ryder Cup when he mixed up his start time.
And while she was obviously rooting for the American team, Erica raised the alarm that Rory wasn’t on the course.
The golfer made it at the 11th hour and the Europeans went on to win the Ryder Cup – retaining it this year under the captaincy of Irishman Paul McGinley.
However, it is only in recent months that Rory and Erica have started dating but they are understood to have grown very close.
Rory was due to marry Danish tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, with the date originally set for two weeks ago in New York.
But he suddenly got cold feet and called an end to the relationship in May, after the invitations had already been sent out.
After the split, Rory, whose form had dipped alarmingly over the course of the previous year, threw himself into his golf and has since climbed to the No.1 position in the world rankings.
‘Rory is really concentrating on his career. And Erica is a huge golf fan and works in the sport. So it’s quite a match.’
Ms Stoll did not respond to attempts to contact her this weekend.