Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy may have clinched the grand slam on Sunday (April 13), but it’s certainly not the first time he’s been in the spotlight — especially after a reportedly “hectic” night out with Meghan Markle more than ten years ago.
Back in 2014, Rory and the now-Duchess of Sussex linked up in New York City, where they took part in one of the biggest viral trends at the time — the Ice Bucket Challenge.
The popular challenge involved dumping a bucket of ice water over someone’s head — either by another person or by themselves — to raise awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
In his 2022 book Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors, author Tom Bower recounted a moment when Meghan Markle, then 43 and best known for her role in Suits, crossed paths with Rory McIlroy, now 35, in New York City while she was staying with a friend.
According to Bower, the two shared a lively night out, described as “hectic.” During that time, the golfing star nominated Meghan to take part in the viral Ice Bucket Challenge.
Meghan agreed—but with one specific request: Rory had to be the one to pour the water over her, something he was more than happy to do.
“She accepted the challenge, on condition that Rory came to her friend’s apartment and personally poured the bucket over her on the balcony,” Bower wrote, referencing a video of the moment that was later posted online.
“Awesome to help @meghanmarkle take on the #ALSIceBucketChallenge today!!” Rory tweeted. “Such a good sport!”
Awesome to help @meghanmarkle take on the #ALSIceBucketChallenge today!! Such a good sport! pic.twitter.com/29DhHys4sQ
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) August 20, 2014
“After the video was posted, the two went to the Fitzpatrick hotel for a drink.”
Those late-night drinks reportedly took a toll on Rory’s golf game the very next day.
“The following morning, McIlroy arrived at the Ringwood golf course to play in a new competition,” Bowman continued. “Worse for wear after a hectic night, he fell back to 101st place.
“His performance suffered. ‘I wasn’t quite on my game,’ he confessed. ‘I was enjoying myself’.”
Meghan eventually married Prince Harry in 2018, and together they have two children: Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
As for Rory, he married Erica Stoll in 2017, and the couple has one daughter named Poppy.