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Rory McIlroy had to sell dream £2m mansion before U-turn with wife Erica Stoll
Reach Daily Express | April 11, 2026 1:39 AM CST

Rory McIlroy chose to sell his dream home in order to relocate to Florida, but has since put down roots in the UK with his family. Years before claiming his first two major titles, the 36-year-old had already constructed his dream home in 2006 near his hometown of Holywood, in Moneyrea, County Down, Northern Ireland.

The property sat on 14 acres of land and boasted its own gym, driving range, and tennis court. Perhaps most crucially for the golf star, he had a dedicated practice area built at the rear of the grounds. However, with McIlroy spending the vast majority of his time away from home and on the PGA Tour, the Northern Irishman put the mansion up for sale in 2012.

The following year, it was snapped up by former TV presenter Gary McCausland for less than the £2million asking price.

The reigning Masters champion subsequently chose to settle in Palm Beach, Florida, moving into a mansion previously owned by four-time major champion Ernie Els, where he would live with his wife, Erica Stoll.

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The lavish property, worth three times the value of his former Northern Ireland home, is nestled within the Bear Club's exclusive golf community. Previously reflecting on his decision to move across the Atlantic, McIlroy said: "My life is here.

"I have an American wife. I live in America. Honestly, I enjoy it here more. The way of life is easier. The weather. The convenience."

But after more than a decade based in the Sunshine State, McIlroy, along with Erica and their five-year-old daughter Poppy, moved back to the UK last year.

Now settled in a Wentworth property in Surrey, England, the five-time major champion fulfilled his wife's desire to return to the UK in order to escape the relentless Florida heat.

Having allegedly spent £9million on refurbishing the property, located near one of the tees on the three courses at the prestigious Wentworth golf course, the birthplace of the Ryder Cup.

McIlroy enjoyed an incredibly successful 2025 with two other PGA Tour victories and a Ryder Cup triumph on top of his dramatic Masters win, and he said the move back to the UK rekindled his competitive fire.

Prior to his participation in last year's Genesis Scottish Open, McIlroy said: "We came back a few weeks ago and moved into our new home in Wentworth and have been trying to settle in.

"It's amazing what two weeks of a bit of detachment can do for you. Sitting there being with your own thoughts for a while. Yeah, it's been nice to have this time to reflect and also to rekindle my excitement and enthusiasm for the rest of the year."My life is here.

"Obviously, we have this week in Scotland and then a massive week next week [for the Open] in Portrush."


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