By Torleif Sorenson on 1/6/15

In October of 2012, Laura Butler of the Irish newspaper the Independent first reported the identity of the PGA of America staffer who alerted Rory McIlroy that he was in danger of missing his Sunday singles tee-time. After Erica Stoll raised the alarm, a local law enforcement officer retrieved McIlroy from his hotel room and delivered him to the first tee with just minutes to spare.

Now, the Belfast Telegraph reports that McIlroy and Stoll are dating — and have been for nearly three months. The newspaper says that the couple spent New Year's at Ashford Castle, a luxury hotel in western Ireland.

McIlroy sort of confirmed it with a rather broad hint on Instagram:

Happy New Years everyone!! Here's to a great 2015

Uma foto publicada por Rory McIlroy (@rorymcilroy) em Dez 12, 2014 at 3:54 PST

McIlroy was previously linked to three other women since he called off his engagement to professional tennis player Caroline Wozniacki early in 2014. Presumably, Stoll's knowledge of golf has made her attractive to the world's undisputed number-one golfer.

And perhaps not surprisingly, Stoll has not posted anything on her Twitter account since October 3 — precisely three months ago.


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