Rory McIlroy reveals Tiger Woods’ early morning workout texts caused tension
Rory McIlroy has disclosed that Tiger Woods’ relentless 4am workout messages left his wife Erica Stoll frustrated, according to revelations in a newly released biography, reports BritPanorama.
The Northern Irish golfer, who is 14 years younger than the American legend, shared candid details about how Woods’ pre-dawn training regime and subsequent text messages created tension at home, offering fresh insight into the unique bond between two of golf’s biggest names.
McIlroy explained that Woods struggles with insomnia, which he attributes to excessive training. “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 Woods 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 noted.
Woods’ early morning messages proved to be a point of contention at home, with McIlroy stating, “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 the sleep-deprived communication, McIlroy holds Woods in high regard, describing him as both an idol and hero throughout his career. “I feel pretty lucky that I’ve gotten to know him more intimately than some,” he remarked.
The Northern Irishman previously spoke about how he is drawn to Woods’ complex personality. “He’s an intriguing character because you could spend two hours in his company and see four different sides to him,” he stated. He praised Woods’ dedication to the sport, as well as his advocacy for fellow professionals on the PGA Tour.
Currently at Augusta preparing to defend his Masters title, McIlroy acknowledged that the upcoming tournament will lack some familiar faces. When asked about the absence of both Woods and Phil Mickelson ahead of his title defence, he 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 candidly expressed.
McIlroy further acknowledged the significance of the missing legends, stating, “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.”
As the tournament unfolds, the absence of these icons serves as a poignant reminder of how the landscape of golf is ever-changing, a sport rooted in tradition yet continually shaped by the next generation.
