As Rory McIlroy sported his second green jacket, his spouse Erica Stoll donned a stunning $100,000 (£73,700) Patek Phillipe Twenty-4 rose gold watch. McIlroy, 36, became only the fourth player to retain the Masters after Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.
In his post-match speech, McIlroy specifically thanked Stoll for her support at Augusta and at home, something he memorably forgot to do in his first victory speech after he completed the career Grand Slam. At the end of the major, McIlroy posed for a photo with Stoll, his daughter Poppy, his mother Rosie and his dad Gerry. In their photos, an eagle-eyed influencer and watch enthusiast Chad Alexander claimed the timepiece McIlroy’s other half was wearing was worth close to £75,000. Moreover, his caddie Harry Diamond will now be able to get himself a similar statement watch, as he reportedly received around £330,000 for his triumph, equivalent to around 10% of McIlroy’s first prize of around £3.32m.
Alexander has also claimed Stoll sported a $95,000 (£70,000) rose gold Patek Philippe Nautilus with a diamond bezel at the traditional par 3 contest last Wednesday.
Interestingly, neither of the watches were made by Omega, the company McIlroy is sponsored by, demonstrating the fact Stoll has her own fashion style and is not going to automatically wear timepieces from her iconic husband’s sponsors. Moreover, there would be no obligation for Stoll to sport any clothes/jewellery from any of McIlroy’s sponsors.
The same is the case for Diamond. However, considering the long and enduring friendship the caddie has had with McIlroy for the best part of 30 years, the World No. 2 golfer may buy his right-hand man a stunning timepiece as a symbol of appreciation.
Diamond took regular criticism from golf fans and pundits during the 11-year stretch McIlroy endured without a major victory. When that run ended in emotional fashion at Augusta last year, the Northern Irishman paid homage to his loyal friend’s help on the course.
After his first Masters triumph, McIlroy said: “I’ve known Harry since I was seven years old. I met him on the putting green at Holywood Golf Club. We’ve had so many good times together. He’s been like a big brother to me throughout my life.
“To be able to share this with him after all the close calls we’ve had, and all the [nonsense] he’s had to take from people who don’t know anything about the game.
“This one is just as much his as it is mine. He’s a massive part of what I do, and I couldn’t think of anyone better to share it with.”