Rory McIlroy reveals wife Erica was irritated by Tiger Woods texts in the middle of the night

Rory McIlroy during the 2026 Masters

Rory McIlroy has lifted the lid on his friendship with Tiger Woods in a new book.

He admits the 15-time major winner’s late night texts began to annoy his wife Erica Stoll.

Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links Golf Club and Rory McIlroy of Boston Common Golf look on after their TGL presented by SoFi match
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Woods would text McIlroy in the middle of the night, the Masters champion has revealedCredit: Getty
McIlroy idolised Woods growing up before becoming friends with the golfing legend after joining him on the PGA Tour.

The pair even went on to launch TGL together as business partners in 2022 alongside sports executive Mike McCarley.

Woods’ texts to McIlroy

A new book from golf journalist Alan Shipnuck has now shed new light on the relationship between McIlroy and Woods.

In ‘Rory: The Heartache and Triumph of Golf’s Most Human Superstar’, McIlroy details texts he would receive from Woods.

The Masters champion said of Woods in 2017: “He struggles to sleep, which I think is an effect of over-training, so I tell him to calm down sometimes.

“He’d be texting me at four o’clock in the morning: ‘Up lifting. What are you doing?’

“Erica actually got p***** off with it. He was texting me in the middle of the night and I was like, ‘Tiger is in the gym.’”

Woods had been continuing to battle injuries back in 2017, a year which saw him undergo back surgery for a fourth time.

When he returned to the course the following year, he experienced a stunning resurgence which peaked at the 2019 Masters.

His fifth win at Augusta National and 15th major victory ended an 11-year wait following his 2008 US Open triumph.

Rory McIlroy of Europe looks on with his wife Erica by the 17th green during the Sunday singles matches of the 2025 Ryder Cup
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McIlroy’s wife Erica became ‘p***** off’ with Woods’ messages at four in the morningCredit: Getty
McIlroy emulated Woods by winning his first major for 11 years at the Masters 12 months ago.

His long-awaited victory also secured the career Grand Slam as he followed in the footsteps of his idol and friend.

McIlroy’s Masters defence

The 36-year-old is defending his title in Georgia this weekend and shares the lead after Thursday’s opening round.

McIlroy ended the day with a five-under-par 67 to join Sam Burns at the top of the leaderboard.

It followed a busy week for the reigning champion, which included Tuesday’s champions dinner.

However, Woods was absent from the event after stepping away from golf following his arrest last month.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland lines up a putt on the 18th green during the first round of the 2026 Masters Tournament
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McIlroy shares the lead after round one at Augusta as he defends his Masters titleCredit: Getty
The 50-year-old has been charged with driving under the influence following a car crash in Florida.

As for McIlroy, he begins his second round at 6.44pm BST on Friday.

He will once again tee off alongside Cameron Young and amateur Mason Howell.

McIlroy and Burns begin their second rounds with a two-shot lead to the rest of the field.