Rory McIlroy's Pre-Masters TV Binge: Bridgerton and Chick Flicks

As Rory McIlroy geared up for the 2025 Masters, he found himself in need of a little distraction. So, what did he do? He and his wife, Erica Stoll, turned to the world of television.

In a candid moment on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, McIlroy, 35, shared, “So, I was watching Bridgerton with my wife, which was her decision, but I actually got into it. It was good.” The popular Netflix period drama has captivated audiences with its three seasons, and a fourth is on the way. McIlroy noted that the show is a welcome escape from the pressures of the golf course.

“The week of the Masters, for me, I’m just trying to distract myself with doing anything,” he explained. “I’m trying not to watch coverage of the tournament, I’m trying not to watch anything about the golf. You try to just not look at the sports news. So, like, read a book, watch a show, watch a movie.”

Despite his initial reluctance, McIlroy found himself enjoying Bridgerton more than he expected. “I’ve got into Bridgerton. I didn’t think I would,” he admitted. “I was very against watching it, but Erica convinced me. So we’re on a bit of a Bridgerton kick this week, yeah.”

But that wasn’t the only entertainment on his agenda. The night before his big win, McIlroy opted for a classic chick flick to unwind at the hotel. “Once I got back to the hotel, I had some room service, watched a little bit of Devil Wears Prada and went to bed,” he shared. “And that was basically it.”

Since clinching the Masters title, McIlroy has been on a whirlwind tour, hopping between his home in Northern Ireland, his future residence in London, and making appearances on various American talk shows. Winning the coveted green jacket comes with its fair share of obligations, but the seasoned golfer is ready for a little downtime.

“I’m looking forward to a couple of days off and then sort of kicking the feet up and trying to recharge the batteries a little bit,” he said, reflecting on his busy schedule.

Now, three weeks after donning the iconic green jacket, McIlroy has received congratulations from athletes and celebrities alike, including the legendary Tiger Woods and his personal favorite, Elton John.

“His assistant left me a voicemail and said, ‘Sir Elton would love to congratulate you in person. The only problem is he doesn’t have a cell phone, so you might get a call from a number in Windsor, England, from a landline,’” McIlroy recounted with a smile. “And I’m like, ‘Sure!’ But we haven’t been able to connect, so I would love to reach out. But it’s Elton John, it’s so cool. I didn’t know Elton John even knew what golf was.”