Why Rory McIlroy's wife Erica wasn't happy with Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods drove Rory McIlroy’s wife mad with his unusual behaviour, the golfer has revealed in his newly released biography.
The pair are extremely close despite the 14-year age gap, so much so that Woods, a notorious insomniac, would often text McIlroy at 4am.
A practice that left Rory’s wife, Erica Stoll, understandably frustrated.
Pic: James Gilbert/TGL/TGL Golf via Getty Images
The Northern Irish golfer revealed Woods’ unusual habits in Alan Shipnuck’s book, titled Rory: The Heartache and Triumph of Golf’s Most Human Superstar.
The 36-year-old defending Masters champion revealed how Woods’ pre-dawn training regime and subsequent text messages created tension at home.
McIlroy explained that Woods battles with insomnia, which he attributes to excessive training.
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links Golf Club looks on before the match against the Los Angeles Golf Club at SoFi Center on March 23, 2026 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Pic: Adam Glanzman/TGL/TGL Golf via Getty Images
‘He struggles to sleep, which I think is an effect of over-training, so I tell him to calm down sometimes,’ the golfer revealed.
The 50-year-old would contact McIlroy during the early hours with messages about his gym sessions.
‘He’d be texting me at four o’clock in the morning: ‘Up lifting. What are you doing?” McIlroy said.
Rory McIlroy poses with daughter Poppy and wife Erica Stoll holding the Masters trophy during the Green Jacket Ceremony after winning the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club Pic: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
‘Erica actually got p****d off with it. He was texting me in the middle of the night, and I was like, ‘Tiger is in the gym’.’
Despite causing him friction at home, McIlroy described Woods as both an idol and a hero throughout his career.
‘I feel pretty lucky that I’ve gotten to know him more intimately than some,’ he said in Shipnuck’s book.
Woods was recently arrested after his car was involved in a rollover crash, with his SUV rolling over onto the driver’s side after colliding with a pickup truck.
Following the car crash in Jupiter Island, Florida, he was reportedly found with two painkiller tablets in his pocket and appeared to be under the influence of a substance.
The County Down man spoke nine years ago about being drawn to the American’s complex personality.
‘He’s an intriguing character because you could spend two hours in his company and see four different sides to him,’ he said.
McIlroy currently shares the first-round lead at the Masters with American Sam Burns after carding a five-under par 67.
When asked about the absence of both Woods and Phil Mickelson ahead of his title defence, McIlroy admitted it had weighed on his mind considerably.
‘I’ve thought about it a lot. Honestly, I’ve probably thought about that more than the food,’ he said.
The defending champion also acknowledged the significance of the missing legends whilst remaining optimistic.
‘Obviously there’s two that won’t be with us this year, which is a shame, but hopefully they will be with us in the future, and I’m sure they will be with us in the future,’ he added.
