Prince Harry's wife Meghan Markle has constantly found herself in the media spotlight – but many may forget that she was once rumoured to be romantically involved with Holywood-born Rory McIlroy.

While not quite on a par as the Duchess of Sussex, McIlroy has also found details about his love-life hit the headlines down the years, ever since his golf career took off. The Northern Ireland native was just recently at the forefront of attention again when he announced he was divorcing Erica Stoll, before they eventually U-turned on the split, opting to give their relationship another go.

However, it was not the first time the four-time major winner's love-life has been a focus for the public. Belfast Live takes a look at McIlroy's previous links with the Princess and former Suits actress, as well as past relationships.

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McIlroy's links to Meghan Markle

Rewind to 2014, and people everywhere were dunking ice-cold buckets of water over their heads as part of the 'ALS Ice Bucket Challenge'. However, McIlroy sent the rumour mill spinning when he nominated Markle, who was still acting in Suits, to take on the challenge. She accepted – on the condition that McIlroy was the one to pour the water over her at her apartment.

McIlroy agreed and the pair reportedly shared a drink and dinner at the Fitzpatrick Hotel in New York. However, despite suggestions romance could be in the air, the pair would only remain as friends, despite fans of both sport and the series commenting on their chemistry together.

On her now defunct blog 'The Tig' she wrote: "Ah yes. Rory McIlroy. THE Rory McIlroy. Whispered (and shouted) to be the foremost golfer in the world, loved by Tiger, respected by Palmer, and dumper of frigid water onto my lone head for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. That Rory McIlroy.

"He is a force who has the propensity to actually work hard and play hard – relishing intense practices to substantiate his title, embracing nights of sipping Opus One (his bold and impressive choice of wine) and indulging in group dinners at Cipriani – for the balance, of course.

"And yet, beyond his work/play ethic, the most endearing quality of this man is his character – as real and honest as they come, appreciating a simple smile, never shunning a fan photo, enjoying a plate of pasta with veal ragu, and expressing a love for his parents that is rarely seen in men his age.

"Or at any age, to be honest. He is not just the real deal...he is real. And perhaps that is what makes him even more cherished." Ultimately, their relationship was only platonic, despite the rumours.

Leaving first love

McIlroy and Holly Sweeney were childhood sweethearts who looked set for a long and fruitful life with each other. McIlroy exclaimed his love for Sweeney in the 2011 documentary Rory's Major Breakthrough when he said: "She knows me better than basically anyone else in this world does, apart from my parents. And someone like that with you is very grounding.”

That was until McIlroy set his sights on former World No.1 tennis player Caroline Wozniacki. Not long after the documentary aired, he left Sweeney to link up with the Dane. A heartbroken Sweeney told the Sunday Mirror: "I never thought he would do this to me. I always suspected he had a thing for her. He's always been a big fan of tennis. When he was watching the women's games he always said he fancied her but I didn't take it that seriously – little did I know.”

She added: "It was Rory that ran away with Caroline – not the other way around – so I guess I blame Rory, or both of them if I'm totally honest. Obviously we'd separated before, but that wasn't for any other reason than that we thought we were too young to be in such a serious relationship. This was a different thing altogether."

McIlroy and Wozniacki's relationship

McIlroy and Wozniacki first met at a boxing match in 2011. Not long after, the couple started dating and being spotted at each other's major competitions. He proposed to her in 2013, but one year later, things came crashing down and the pair went their separate ways.

He told the Daily Mail: "There is no right way to end a relationship that has been so important to two people. The problem is mine. The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realise that I wasn't ready for all that marriage entails.

"I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we've had. I will not be saying anything more about our relationship in any setting.”

McIlroy's $300m net worth

While there has often been unpredictability in regards to his love life, McIlroy has been comfortably wealthy for a long time. According to the official PGA Tour website, McIlroy has amassed around £73.7million in PGA Tour winnings alone.

Yet, those figures barely scratch the sides of his total earnings and assets. As of February 2025, McIlroy's net worth was believed to be around £232m ($299m).

As well as his earnings on the course, he has also amassed fortunes by working with the likes of TaylorMade, Nike, NBC Sports/Golf Pass, Omega, Optum, and Workday.

In 2017, he extended his sponsorship contract with Nike for 10 more years, which is reportedly worth $10m per year. In total, it's estimated that he makes around $35m a year in endorsement deals.

He also set up a venture capitalist firm called Symphony Ventures in 2019. Speaking to the New York Times about his investment, he said: "I had gotten to a point where I had done financially well on the golf course.

"We were looking to do something different. It was, do I open another wealth management portfolio and do the same thing again? Or do I do something like this, as a great introduction to meet new people?"