Rory McIlroy reveals major UK move with wife Erica Stoll

Rory McIlroy has opened up on his family's new life in the UK, revealing he and wife Erica Stoll are finally settled into their lavish Surrey home after making the move from Florida.

The world No 2 shared the update ahead of this week's Memorial Tournament, confirming he has spent the past 10 days at the property as the family begin a new chapter away from their long-time base in the United States.

McIlroy's relocation plans first emerged last year when fellow PGA Tour star J.J. Spaun disclosed details of a conversation they shared during The Players Championship.

At the time, Spaun revealed the Northern Irishman had told him he was building a home near London, with the property later reported to have undergone extensive renovations costing millions of pounds.

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Now, McIlroy has confirmed the move is complete.

Speaking ahead of his return to action in Ohio, the six-time major champion revealed he used his recent break from competition to get settled in the family's UK residence.

"I feel like a part-timer these days," McIlroy said.

"I had a couple of weeks off and we got ourselves settled into our house in London for the summer. It was nice to be there for the last 10 days.

"A little bit of practice, then I stopped off at Shinnecock on the way here on Monday, had a look around and played. I'm excited to be back here this week."

The comments provide the clearest indication yet that McIlroy, Erica and their daughter Poppy are preparing to spend significantly more time in Britain after more than a decade living in Florida.

The four-time major winner previously made his home in Palm Beach, where he enjoyed the warm climate and access to some of the world's best golf facilities.

However, Erica's desire to spend more time in the UK has been well documented.

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During Netflix's popular golf documentary series Full Swing, McIlroy revealed his wife had long expressed an interest in returning across the Atlantic.

"If it was up to her, she wouldn't move to England straightaway, but she definitely wants to spend more time there," he said.

Florida's year-round sunshine was also not always to Erica's taste.

Former major champion Martin Kaymer previously recalled a conversation in which she admitted she was not particularly fond of the intense heat.

According to Kaymer, Erica joked: "I really don't like the sun in Florida."

The German responded with a smile, pointing out that Florida is famously known as the Sunshine State.

McIlroy's decision to establish a stronger UK base comes during a period of change both on and off the course.

The Northern Irishman has adjusted his playing schedule in recent years, placing greater emphasis on golf's biggest events rather than maintaining a packed calendar throughout the season.

Following this week's Memorial Tournament, McIlroy is expected to skip the Canadian Open as he focuses his attention on the upcoming U.S. Open.

The major holds special significance for the 37-year-old, who captured the title for the first time 15 years ago and remains determined to add further major championships to his glittering career.

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