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Beaming Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll were the picture of the perfect couple in a rare photo offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the couple at last month’s White House State Dinner.
The golfing superstar, 37, and his wife, 38, were among the A-list guests invited to the glitzy State Dinner in honor of King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted by President Donald Trump at the White House last month.
The Northern Irishman was invited to the prestigious event, where he was praised by the president, on April 28, less than a month after he captured his second-straight victory at Augusta National.
Now, a new photo of the Masters champion and Erica has emerged, showing the stunning couple in their finery at the White House.
The pair, who reconciled in June 2024 after the golfer had filed for divorce a month earlier, posed for a photo in the grand Entrance Hall at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, while other A-list guests, including Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez mingled in the background.
Ingrid Hoey, their Dublin-based stylist who has previously worked with the wives and girlfriends of Europe’s Ryder Cup team, shared the image to her Instagram.
Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll were captured at the White House State Dinner in a new photo
The professional golfer and his wife attended the State Dinner held in King Charles’s honor
Hoey’s profile boasts similar work with Diane Donald, the wife of European captain Luke Donald, and Wendy Lowry, the wife of former Open champion and McIlroy’s close friend Shane Lowry.
Erica looked effortlessly elegant in a $8,700 embroidered tulle gown with black floral appliqué detailing from Elie Saab. She complemented the exquisite dress with a black Bottega Veneta clutch and Christian Louboutin heels, adding a touch of class with black opera gloves.
Meanwhile, McIlroy cut a sharp figure in a Ralph Lauren tailcoat tuxedo, worth $9,995, as he clutched a glass of champagne.
Although the glitzy event was held in King Charles’s honor, the golfer, who had kept a low profile since his latest triumph at Augusta National, could not shirk the spotlight.
Trump took a sudden departure from his prepared speech to hail the golfer on his latest ‘unconquerable’ achievement.
‘The entire world has been uplifted by this distinct and special character we share. This unstoppable daring. This unconquerable courage. It really is unconquerable… speaking of that, where’s Rory McIlroy?’ Trump questioned, part way through his address.
‘Stand up, Rory. That was unconquerable courage. That was very good, Rory,’ the president continued, referring to McIlroy’s latest Masters triumph.
‘I don’t know if that helps them talk about how wonderful the speech (is) but I had to interrupt my speech because I watched that man win a tournament that was tough. That was a tough one. Congratulations. Very proud of you.
Donald Trump interrupted his speech the event to praise golfer McIlroy for his Masters triumph
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump (right) arrive in the White House’s Cross Hall alongside their guests King Charles and Queen Camilla (left)
McIlroy celebrates with wife Erica, parents Gerry and Rosie and daughter Poppy at Augusta
‘Alright, now I’ll get back to my speech, Rory.’
McIlroy sealed a one-shot victory over World No 1 Scottie Scheffler to claim his second green jacket and become the first player since Tiger Woods in 2002 to go back-to-back at the Masters in April.
Following the triumph, Trump had been the one to lead the tributes to McIlroy, praising his resilience in a post on Truth Social.
Trump wrote: ‘Congratulations to Rory McIlroy on another Great Championship, The Masters! He performed tremendously under intense pressure, something which few people would be able to even think about doing.
‘With each year, Rory is becoming more and more a LEGEND! I look forward to watching him compete in two weeks at Doral. The quality of Professional Golfers today has become extraordinary, each and every one of them.
‘They should all be proud of the way they played at The Masters this weekend!’
McIlroy and Stoll’s attendance at the prestigious banquet came nearly two years after a turbulent moment in the couple’s relationship.
In May 2024, McIlroy filed for divorce from the former PGA of America employee. But within a matter of weeks, those filings were withdrawn.
McIlroy poses with Erica and Poppy during the Wednesday Par 3 contest at Augusta
The Northern Irishman claimed his second consecutive Masters victory last month
‘We have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning,’ McIlroy said at the time.
Meanwhile, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez were also captured walking into the White House on Tuesday evening – with Sanchez wearing a plunging black ballgown.
Sam Altman, who is currently in a court battle with former Department of Government Efficiency leader Elon Musk, was also photographed walking through White House security.
Several conservative media personalities, including Ainsley Earhardt, Laura Ingraham, Chris Ruddy, Jesse Watters and Greg Gutfeld, also made the guest list.
All three of Trump’s Supreme Court appointees made the guest list – Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh – along with conservative Justice Samuel Alito, a Bush 43 appointee.
Trump family members included Eric Trump and wife Lara, Ivanka Trump and husband Jared Kushner and Tiffany Trump with her husband Michael Boulos.
Melania’s father, Victor Knavs, was also invited.
