Rory McIlroy and Meghan Markle have a surprising friendship that dates back over a decade, and the golfer made it public around the time he last won a major in 2014
Rory McIlroy has a two-shot overnight lead at the Masters(Image: Getty Images)
Meghan Markle hailed Rory McIlroy as the “foremost golfer in the world” in her former blog as the Northern Irishman tries to win a first major title since his interview with the now Duchess of Sussex.
At the time, he had just won the PGA Championship in 2014, with Markle publishing her blog post weeks after that tournament concluded. That success came barely a month after winning The Open but he has yet to win another major over the decade since.
McIlroy has come close with second-place finishes at the Masters in 2022 and the last two US Opens. The Northern Irishman has a two-stroke overnight lead coming into the final round this year at Augusta after an imperious six-under on Saturday.
Markle wrote in her piece on McIlroy in 2014: “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.”
She continued to describe his work ethic and lifestyle, saying: “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.
“A critical darling and fan favourite – it’s for good reason – he is born and raised in Holywood, Ireland – a long cry from my hometown of Hollywood, California – and yet, he, alone, could be the impetus for his Holywood’s own Walk of Fame.
“I imagine they would be glad to welcome that gilded boulevard in his honour.
“Today’s TIG Talk is with the courteous, classy, and ever so talented, Rory McIlroy – who, by the way, had the kindness and wherewithal to not put the two full bags of ice I bought into the bucket – he wanted me to raise awareness for ALS, and yet also survive the challenge.
“For that, I am most grateful.”
As McIlroy sets his sights on Masters glory come Sunday, he could validate the Duchess of Sussex’s words and confirm that he truly is the ‘real deal’.
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