Rory McIlroy is secretly dating a the PGA employee who came to his rescue after he nearly missed his Ryder Cup tee-off time.
The Holywood golfer has struck up a relationship with Erica Stoll, who famously noticed he was missing at the Ryder Cup last October.
The 27-year-old sent a police escort to the course, ensuring he wasn’t disqualified from the competition.
New birdie: Rory has hit it off with Erica
Now sources have revealed that Rory, 25, stayed in contact with Erica since their paths crossed.
And pals have revealed they have “hit it off even more since” – with Rory particularly infatuated due to her love of golf as well.
“Rory and Erica obviously have been linked in the headlines for all the right reasons already but they seem to have hit it off even more since,” an insider told the Sunday Independent.
Exes: Rory had been due to marry Caroline this month
“It’s been kept quiet but they have stayed in contact and they meet up when he is in America.
“The fact that she has a big interest in golf is an important factor — and it’s not just a case that she has sparked an interest in the game since meeting Rory. In fact she is every bit as obsessed with golf as him.”
The world number one is single after his public split with fiancee Caroline Wozniacki, who he had been due to marry this month.
He was also recently linked to Suits star Meghan Markle – but she has denied they are dating.
Linked: Rory and Meghan were linked after Twitter chat
He was also linked to Irish model Nadia Forde, but she insisted they were just good pals.
Previously new fling Erica lamented on Twitter that she was single.
She said: “Perhaps I am single because instead of going out on a Friday night, I’d rather sit on the couch with a bottle of wine and watch the US Open.”
