Top News

Rory McIlroy's wife Erica Stoll reportedly became exasperated when Tiger Woods repeatedly sent her husband late-night messages. A newly published book claims Woods, who has long battled sleeplessness, would bombard the Northern Irish star with questions during the early hours.

Alan Shipnuck's biography, Rory: The Heartache and Triumph of Golf's Most Human Superstar, alleges Woods would frequently be found in the gym at four in the morning, after which he would message McIlroy, who is currently competing at the Masters as defending champion. "He struggles to sleep, which I think is an effect of over-training, so I tell him to calm down sometimes," McIlroy said of Woods in 2017, according to Shipnuck's book, via the Daily Mail.

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

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Woods and McIlroy have remained close friends throughout the years. Their competitive battles at major championships, on the PGA Tour, and in the Ryder Cup have spanned roughly two decades. "I'm drawn to him, yeah," McIlroy said of Woods in 2017.

"He's an intriguing character because you could spend two hours in his company and see four different sides to him. He's thoughtful. He's smart. He can't sleep, so that's all he does - he reads stuff and educates himself on everything."

Their bond grew even stronger after Woods was involved in a serious car accident in 2021, which left him with significant injuries. Throughout Woods' recuperation, McIlroy visited his friend and provided his support.

The pair's relationship also stretches into the business world, as both are co-founders of TMRW Sports. That venture gave rise to the TGL, an indoor golf league that has recently surged in popularity.

"He has been an idol and a hero of mine over the years, and I feel pretty lucky that I've gotten to know him more intimately than some," McIlroy said of Woods in 2022, according to Shipnuck.

"And he is so passionate about what we're doing. He realises that the PGA Tour gave him a platform to build his brand and let him be who he is, and he has tremendous respect for the people who have come before us.

"Having his influence and having his counsel, not just myself but all of the players on the PGA Tour, he's a great advocate to have, and it's awesome to be doing these things with him. I have to pinch myself pretty much every day that I'm in this position."

More recently, Woods has encountered a fresh set of troubles away from the fairways. On March 27, he was taken into custody by officers after his car overturned while attempting to overtake a truck and trailer on Jupiter Island in Florida. Woods was subsequently arrested and charged with driving under the influence.

The five-time Masters champion had been weighing up whether to compete at Augusta this year prior to the incident, but instead confirmed he would be withdrawing from the sport to concentrate on his health and recovery.

Breaking his silence on the matter, Woods wrote on X: "I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritise my wellbeing and work toward lasting recovery."