Rory McIlroy paid for his 'hectic night' with Meghan Markle: 'I was enjoying myself'

Rory completed his career grand slam this weekend
Ella Clarke
By Ella Clarke

Rory McIlroy and Meghan Markle may have taken very different paths but, over a decade ago, their lives briefly collided during a now-infamous “hectic” night.

Golfer Rory made headlines at the weekend as he finally earned his place among golf’s elite with a long-awaited Masters triumph on Sunday (March 14).

But over a decade ago, the now Grand Slam winner found himself at the centre of a very different story – one involving a night out with none other than Meghan Markle.

The Northern Irish golfer edged out Justin Rose in a dramatic playoff to win the last of the four majors he had yet to conquer.

But as fans celebrate his crowning moment at Augusta, some are revisiting an unforgettable night from 2014, when Rory and Meghan’s paths first crossed.

Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games
Meghan and Rory spent on ‘hectic’ night together over a decade ago (Credit: Cover Images)

Rory McIlroy and Meghan Markle encounter

Back in 2014, Rory had just won the PGA Championship and The Open.

Meanwhile, at the time, actress Meghan was best known for her role as Rachel Zane in Suits. The two reportedly met during a night out in New York City, while Meghan was staying with a friend in the city.

According to royal biographer Tom Bower, in his book Revenge: The Meghan and Harry Story, the encounter quickly turned memorable and was described as “hectic”.

Rory nominated Meghan for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, the viral social media campaign at the time.

“She accepted the challenge. On condition that Rory came to her friend’s apartment and personally poured the bucket over her on the balcony,” Tom claimed in his book, according to reports.

Rory obliged, and a now-viral post showed the golfer laughing as he soaked Meghan in ice water.

The pair then reportedly went out for drinks at Fitzpatrick’s Hotel. However, this hangout would cost Rory more than just a headache the next morning it seems.

Rory Mcllroy playing golf
Rory completed his career grand slam this weekend (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Rory’s ‘performance suffered’ after evening out with Meghan

Tom details in his book that Rory, fresh from the NYC night out, went on to compete at Ringwood Golf Course the following day. However, his game suffered.

“The following morning, Mcllroy arrived at the Ringwood golf course to play in a new competition. Worse for wear after a hectic night, he fell back to 101st place,” Tom revealed.

“His performance suffered. ‘I wasn’t quite on my game,’ he confessed. ‘I was enjoying myself.'”

Today, Rory is married to Erica Stoll, who he wed in 2017. The couple welcomed their daughter Poppy in 2020.

Meghan, of course, went on to marry Prince Harry in a royal wedding in 2018.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex now live in California with their children, Archie and Lilibet. The couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020.

With both now firmly rooted in their respective lives – one as a golfing icon, the other as a global figure – fans are left wondering whether Meghan might reach out to her old acquaintance.

While no such congratulatory call has been confirmed, Rory’s achievement is undoubtedly worthy of one.

Read more: Reason behind Prince Philip’s private nickname for Meghan Markle

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