Latest news with #OpusOne
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Details on meeting between Luka Doncic and Rob Pelinka in May
Just four days after the Los Angeles Lakers were knocked out of the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Luka Doncic, their new generational superstar, and Lara Beth Seager, his manager, met with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick at an upscale restaurant in West Hollywood, Calif. Ever since the Lakers landed Doncic in a seismic trade on Feb. 1, it has been clear that their aim has been to build a championship team around and for him. That meant LeBron James was no longer their most important player or biggest concern. Advertisement An ESPN article by Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst outlined what was discussed between everyone at that meeting. "The purpose of the meeting was as clear as their choice of door: Doncic is the face of the franchise now, and the Lakers wanted him -- and everyone else -- to know it. "Over a bottle of Opus One, Pelinka and Redick explained not only their strategy in building the team around Doncic's skill set, sources told ESPN, but also the complexities of the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement and how they planned to navigate them. "That exquisite bottle of wine might have helped Doncic digest Pelinka's explanation of arcane topics such as the second apron, the value of preserving salary cap space to help acquire an age-appropriate star alongside of him and what remained of the Lakers' draft assets. Pelinka had made it a working dinner, toting in a thick binder. "That binder, with those offseason Lakers plans and longer-range strategies and dreams, used to be presented to James at meetings like these. On the agenda, the concepts of chasing players the team eventually landed -- such as Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook -- and those they ultimately didn't. "Pelinka has talked often to Doncic and Seager in the 3½ months since he acquired the young star from the Dallas Mavericks in one of the most shocking trades in NBA history." Almost immediately after landing Doncic, the Lakers went to work looking to build a winning roster. They agreed to send Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish and draft compensation to the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams, a young and promising center. But the oft-injured Williams failed his physical, and there went that attempt to address the team's gaping hole at the 5 spot. Last week, L.A. appeared to plug that hole by signing Denadre Ayton in free agency. They still have some work to do in order to become a championship contender, but since Doncic is 26 years of age, they can have a relaxed sense of urgency. This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Details on meeting between Luka Doncic and Rob Pelinka in May
USA Today
12-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Details on meeting between Luka Doncic and Rob Pelinka in May
Just four days after the Los Angeles Lakers were knocked out of the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Luka Doncic, their new generational superstar, and Lara Beth Seager, his manager, met with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick at an upscale restaurant in West Hollywood, Calif. Ever since the Lakers landed Doncic in a seismic trade on Feb. 1, it has been clear that their aim has been to build a championship team around and for him. That meant LeBron James was no longer their most important player or biggest concern. An ESPN article by Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst outlined what was discussed between everyone at that meeting. "The purpose of the meeting was as clear as their choice of door: Doncic is the face of the franchise now, and the Lakers wanted him -- and everyone else -- to know it. "Over a bottle of Opus One, Pelinka and Redick explained not only their strategy in building the team around Doncic's skill set, sources told ESPN, but also the complexities of the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement and how they planned to navigate them. "That exquisite bottle of wine might have helped Doncic digest Pelinka's explanation of arcane topics such as the second apron, the value of preserving salary cap space to help acquire an age-appropriate star alongside of him and what remained of the Lakers' draft assets. Pelinka had made it a working dinner, toting in a thick binder. "That binder, with those offseason Lakers plans and longer-range strategies and dreams, used to be presented to James at meetings like these. On the agenda, the concepts of chasing players the team eventually landed -- such as Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook -- and those they ultimately didn't. "Pelinka has talked often to Doncic and Seager in the 3½ months since he acquired the young star from the Dallas Mavericks in one of the most shocking trades in NBA history." Almost immediately after landing Doncic, the Lakers went to work looking to build a winning roster. They agreed to send Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish and draft compensation to the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams, a young and promising center. But the oft-injured Williams failed his physical, and there went that attempt to address the team's gaping hole at the 5 spot. Last week, L.A. appeared to plug that hole by signing Denadre Ayton in free agency. They still have some work to do in order to become a championship contender, but since Doncic is 26 years of age, they can have a relaxed sense of urgency.
Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- Times
Bijou private jets — compact without compromise
Eighteen minutes. That's the average time it takes between arriving at a private air terminal and taking off in a business jet. Let's reframe that: by the time it takes to decant your personal effects into a plastic tray and shuffle along the security queue in your socks (as you watch your Manolo Blahniks being conveyor-belted into x-ray purgatory) you could already be ceremoniously swirling a glass of Opus One in the serene seclusion of your very own winged chariot at 31,000 feet. While the larger, snazzier VIP jets are the preserve of royalty and billionaire tech moguls, there are more humble options in the £2.5 million to £15 million bracket, aka 'small-light-jets'. Sure, planes in this class don't have room for a Jacuzzi — or a gym — but sometimes less is more. These 6 to 12-seater jets are nimble enough to nip into private airstrips and smaller regional airports (something their supersized siblings can't always do) — avoiding the major hubs and getting you more directly to your destination. • Read more luxury reviews, advice and insights from our experts And that's really the raison d'être of private aviation — enabling you to maximise your precious time, while travelling in style. It's also a luxury underpinned by compelling business savvy: analysis carried out by the European Business Aviation Association (this is the bit you show your accountant) found that by skipping the undignified chaos of commercial flights, private jet travellers gain an average of 127 minutes per trip. Moreover, in Europe, private aviation connects over 100,000 airport pairs, versus 30,000 for scheduled carriers — therefore bizjet users don't have to worry about long ground transfers. This, in turn, means time and expense can be trimmed as overnight stays become an option, not an inevitability. The bottom line is, it's less about showing off and more about showing up — on time, unflustered, and possibly already two contracts ahead of the competition. Plus, when it's not exactly a business trip, with a compact bizjet you can touch down in Gstaad without stressing over whether your skis have been mangled by the baggage handlers. If you need a shortlist of the most talked about jets in this league, here's one I prepared earlier. If Indiana Jones ever became a corporate exec, he'd probably fly the Swiss-designed Pilatus PC-24 — a business jet so versatile it should come with hiking boots and a tuxedo. Its party trick is that it can take off and land on all types of surfaces, not just paved runways, thanks to its uniquely engineered wing, robust undercarriage and 'flaps'. These are hinged panels on the wings that can be extended to generate extra lift for shorter takeoffs. They can also be positioned to deliberately create extra drag, to slow the plane down for landing — just what you need when touching down on shorter runways, such as Nantucket Memorial Airport's 4,500ft-long 'Runway 15/33'. Grass, gravel, sand? No problem. You could say the PC-24 is the Land Rover Defender of private jets, capable of navigating rocky terrain while you sit in penthouse suite comfort. (Pilatus says the PC-24 can land on a 2,410ft paved runway, and needs just 3,090ft for takeoff. It is also, says the manufacturer, 'the only business jet able to land at Goodwood's grass airstrip'.) The PC-24 seats up to ten passengers and is fitted with cabin windows large enough to actually see the Matterhorn without craning your neck. The cabin can be configured in a multitude of layouts and there's even a special 'medevac' (medical evacuation) version operated by the Royal Flying Doctor Service that can carry three stretchered patients and two full medical teams. Powered by two Williams FJ44 engines, the PC-24 cruises at 440 knots (a bit over 505mph) and has a range of 2,040 nautical miles — enough to get you from Geneva to the Greek islands with plenty of time to spare. The cockpit is equipped with advanced touchscreen avionics and 'synthetic vision'. This is a type of augmented reality tech for pilots, but instead of Pokémon, it shows pilots the mountains, runways and obstacles — a nifty trick facilitated by GPS, terrain databases and onboard sensors. It's invaluable when flying through thick fog, darkness or heavy rain. Regardless of whether you're taking off from the tumbleweed-strewn outback or heading to a remote mountain retreat in the Alps, the PC-24's off-piste capabilities guarantee you'll make a stylish entrance. Price guide: approximately £10.4 million to £11.2 million depending on options* Think Honda and you might picture a zippy Civic or a screaming Formula 1 engine. Now imagine that same clever engineering and quiet confidence at high altitude. Enter the HondaJet Elite II — sleek, speedy and capable of flying at 'Flight Level 430', which means 43,000ft (approximately 13,100m above sea level). That puts it well above commercial airline traffic and most weather systems, so passengers can enjoy a smoother, faster and more efficient ride. The HondaJet is also one of the fastest (at 420 knots — roughly 483mph) and furthest flyers in its class (with a range of 1,547 nautical miles). What sets the HondaJet apart from other business jets, visually, is that the engines are mounted on top of the wing. This crafty setup unlocks a hat-trick of benefits. First, it frees up precious fuselage real estate. Without engine support structures eating into the cabin, there's up to 20 per cent more space (compared with similarly sized jets) for passengers and bags. Second, with the engines perched out of earshot, the cabin is whisper-quiet. Third, OTWEM (Over the Wing Engine Mount) improves aerodynamics. By strategically blending the airflow over the wing and engines, HondaJet reduces drag at high speeds, allowing it to cruise faster, higher and more efficiently than its rivals. The latest incarnation of the plane (due out in 2026 following flight testing and certification at HondaJet's headquarters in North Carolina) is the HondaJet Echelon. With seating for up to 11 people, a high-speed cruise near 450 knots (520-ish mph), and a 2,625 nautical mile range, the Echelon will become the first jet in its category capable of single-pilot transcontinental flight across the United States (single-pilot means lower operational costs for coast-to-coast private jet travel). All of this is part of a strategy whereby Honda aims to develop a full mobility ecosystem, which includes vehicles on the land, sea and air. Price guide: The HondaJet Elite II costs in the neighbourhood of £5.5 million to £5.8 million, depending on options*. No official price has been released yet for the forthcoming HondaJet Echelon, but industry estimates are in the ballpark of £8 million to £9.5 million*. If the Embraer Phenom 300E were a car, it would probably be a Porsche — curvaceous, understated and blisteringly fast, with a top speed of 464 knots (roughly 533mph). With a range of 2,010 nautical miles, this aircraft (which is designed, manufactured and assembled at sites across Brazil and Florida) is made for execs who crave getting to their destination in record time. Inside, Embraer offers a 'bossa nova' interior. Think luxury SUV meets minimalist lounge, with a Latin touch. The cabin comes with six seats arranged in a configuration that maximises both comfort and space. The hand-stitched leather seats can adjust, swivel and recline. And since we all know business never stops, the Phenom 300E is packed with connectivity features. USB ports, a state-of-the-art entertainment system and adjustable lighting make it a flying office — or a mood-lit lounge. The cockpit is where the magic happens, with its Garmin G3000 avionics suite. Touchscreens, synthetic vision and 'autothrottle' make flying a breeze. (Autothrottle is the private jet's answer to cruise control — only with more altitude and less road rage. It's like having a silent co-pilot constantly tweaking the engine power automatically, keeping the jet smooth and efficient.) In short, the Phenom 300E is for those who believe in getting the job done — and doing it fast. You'll arrive at your next meeting feeling as if you've just raced there — and with more than enough time for a quick power nap before you head into the boardroom. Price guide: About £8.7 million to £9.3 million depending on options* If the superhero Tony Stark designed a business jet, it might look something like the Cirrus Vision Jet G2+, an aerodynamic, Jetsons cartoon-esque aircraft that defies convention. It's the only certified single-engine personal business jet in production — and single-engine potentially means less fuel-burn and less engine maintenance. Having one engine might raise an eyebrow — until you realise the Vision Jet comes with the 'Cirrus Airframe Parachute System'. In a worst-case scenario, the pilot can pull a handle, an enormous parachute deploys and the entire aircraft descends gently to the ground. (Makes you wonder why more aircraft don't have this handy feature.) Then there's a second layer of safety that is absolutely mind-boggling. In the unlikely event that the pilot becomes incapacitated, the Vision Jet's 'Safe Return Emergency Autoland System' enables a passenger to land the aircraft with the press of a single button. Once activated, the jet transforms into an autonomous vehicle, reconfiguring the complex cockpit displays into passenger-friendly screens. The system then calculates a safe route by factoring in terrain, weather, fuel levels and wind conditions. It selects the most suitable airport and runway, while also notifying emergency services. Throughout the descent, the system manages speed, gear, flaps and throttle using the Vision Jet's autothrottle and radar altimeter (height indicator) to ensure a precise, stabilised approach. It lands and brakes the aircraft to a complete stop — leaving passengers safely on the ground, ready to disembark. Beyond these remarkable safety features the G2+ cabin can accommodate seven people (including the pilot), and passengers can enjoy an almost 360-degree view thanks to the open-plan layout (there's no partition between the cockpit and passenger cabin). Plus the plane is fitted with enormous panoramic windows. Performance-wise, the Vision Jet G2+ has impressive specs. It can take off with 2,036ft, climb at 1,609ft per second, cruise at 311 knots (about 358mph — not bad for one engine) and reach a maximum altitude of 31,000ft. Its range is 1,275 nautical miles. Need even more tech? Cirrus planes come with an iPhone app, Cirrus IQ, which enables you to prepare for your flight before you get to the airport with the ability to check your fuel and oxygen quantity remotely. The app also collates data for troubleshooting and maintenance schedules — it's a kind of futuristic log book. In short, the Cirrus Vision Jet G2+ is for those who want to feel as if they're flying into the future, but with all the amenities of a luxury SUV. It's quick, clever and, yes, probably safer than your average ride to the office. Price guide: About £2.5 million to £2.8 million depending on options* Unveiled by Textron Aviation ahead of the 2023 European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE), the Cessna Citation Ascend is aimed at executives who value time, space and a well-placed USB port. With deliveries scheduled for later this year, this mid-size jet is positioning itself as the sensible suit in a room full of flashy dinner jackets. Inside, the Ascend offers a flat-floor cabin with seating for up to nine people who presumably all have devices — because there are 19 USB ports and three power outlets scattered thoughtfully throughout. Think of it as a boardroom at 33,000ft, except the coffee is probably better and nobody can escape to another meeting. Performance-wise, it flies at about 441 knots (about 508mph) and has a range of 2,100 nautical miles — enough to get from La Môle-Saint-Tropez to Prague without breaking a sweat (or stopping to refuel). Two Pratt & Whitney PW545D engines deliver an efficient ride, and the autothrottle makes flying silky smooth for pilots and passengers alike. The Ascend features Garmin's latest G5000 avionics with synthetic vision, obstacle detection and even a 3D view of the airport while taxiing. It's possibly more aware of its surroundings than most humans before their first coffee. Fractional ownership giant NetJets signed a deal in 2023 with Textron Aviation that includes options to buy up to 1,500 jets across the Citation range — and the Ascend is a big part of that plan. Price guide: The Cessna Citation Ascend will set you back about £13.2 million* — a small price to pay for not having to queue at security in your socks. *NB: Prices for all aircraft are approximate and can fluctuate based on factors such as customisation options, cabin configurations, cockpit technology choices, exchange rates and market demand. Similarly, specifications and performance vary depending on options chosen, which can affect the aircraft weight and speed. For accurate and up-to-date pricing, contact the manufacturers or authorised dealers directly.
Forbes
05-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Wine CEO's Sabbatical Leads To Renewed Passion For Work And Vineyards
The Transformative Vineyards of Joseph Phelps Winery in Napa Valley, CA In 2004, David Pearson achieved one of the top executive positions in the world of wine – CEO of Opus One winery in Napa Valley, California. During his 16 years tenure as CEO, David and his team helped to elevate the already prestigious brand to become one of the top luxury wines in the world, expanding distribution to over 90 countries and increasing the value of the brand from an average of $200 to over $500 per bottle. But then the pandemic occurred, and David Pearson decided it was time to step back and reassess his life. Supported by a loving family, he traveled to France, and what he discovered there helped propel him into a new position as CEO of Joseph Phelps winery in Napa Valley 'For 40 days I wandered around France visiting old friends. I was trying to figure out what I was going to do with the rest of my life. And while there I found the passion of the industry again – the joy and passion of wine,' David told me when I visited him at Joseph Phelps winery recently. During the course of our conversation, we tasted through five Joseph Phelps wines (notes below), and I was struck by the overflowing enthusiasm and passion in his voice as David shared his new vision for propelling Joseph Phelps winery into the next century. David Pearson, CEO of Joseph Phelps Winery in Napa Valley, CA On his sabbatical David visited the Ardèche region in the SE corner of France, where he met a vineyard owner who was farming his vines in a way David had never encountered. 'He was using a method they call permaculture, where they rolled the grass flat between the rows of vines and overtime this created a lasagna of rich organic material and new soil. When you dug it up, it was filled with worms and smelled incredibly rich,' David stated. The method employs the philosophies of regenerative farming, which advocates no or low tilling of the soil. However, David believes it is beyond regenerative and prefers to use the term 'agro-ecology, though he admits he is still seeking the perfect term. He explained that by farming in this fashion to create rich healthy soil (rather than soil that has been sprayed with agri-chemicals), the end results are higher nutrients in crops, including wine grapes. Food experts have discovered that the more nutrients in the food, the better it tastes, which could ultimately translate to more delicious wine grapes. 'Did you know that a teaspoon of healthy soil has more live organisms in it than the number of people on the whole planet?' David asked with excitement. Agro-ecology also integrates other crops in the vineyard, such as fruit trees and vegetables. It is a more holistic approach to farming, that incorporates the concepts of sustainability and regenerative farming, but also supports the relationship between plants, animals and people. For more information on some of these concepts, David recommended several books he has read: One Straw Revolution, What Your Food Ate, Braiding Sweetgrass, and others, as well as the Netflix documentary, Kiss the Ground. After his 40-day sabbatical, David Pearson started consulting with a few other wineries in France, Italy and the U.S. One of those wineries was Joseph Phelps that had just been acquired by luxury giant, LVMH. After a few months serving as interim-CEO, LVMH offered David the position of CEO. 'LVMH understands the concepts of agro-ecology because they have been implementing similar concepts in the vineyards of Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux for more than 10 years,' David explained. 'They are supportive about using these concepts at Joseph Phelps.' Therefore, David and his team are embarking on a 10-year journey to transform the vineyards of Joseph Phelps by replanting different blocks of the vineyard overtime and changing the farming practices. 'We plan to integrate the vineyards with fruit trees and vegetables. There are vineyards in Italy where the vines use 100-year old Maple trees as their trellis!' David said. He believes that overtime these more natural, environmentally-friendly farming methods will not only elevate the quality of the wine, but could eventually save money on labor and materials since they will not be tilling the soil or hedging the vines, as is done with the current farming method. The fact that the founder of the winery, Joseph Phelps, was known for his innovative spirit, and was frequently replanting vineyard blocks to increase wine grape quality, is also a fitting tribute to the new direction. 'We are having so much fun. All of us are moving towards the future and focused on innovation - the legacy that Joseph Phelps has left us all.' 'Joe founded this winery in 1973 and transformed a cattle ranch into a world class vineyard,' David said. 'He was a great visionary and known for his innovation and commitment to quality. In fact he was the first in Napa Valley to create a blended wine with a proprietary name, which he called Insignia – our flagship wine.' When asked how the employees were responding to the new vineyard direction, he responded: 'We are having so much fun. All of us are moving towards the future and focused on innovation - the legacy that Joseph Phelps has left us all.' He admitted that even though the global wine industry is currently facing many challenges, such as decreasing wine consumption, slowing wine tourism and anti-alcoholism, that it is important to remind people of all of the benefits of wine. He referenced Robert Mondavi's 'Defense of Wine,' that occurred during the 1980's when the wine industry was facing similar issues. 'We need to listen to the universe and be more open to new ideas. And remember what Robert Mondavi said: Wine is about slowing down, being with friends, and being present. It brings people together and contributes to a richer life,' he stated. The famous wine quote by Robert Mondavi, California Winemaker and Visionary Joseph Phelps offers a selection of estate wines from their Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast vineyards, ranging from the flagship Insignia cabernet-based blend to chardonnay, pinot noir, syrah, viognier and a new sparkling wine. All wines are available online or in fine wine shops and restaurants. Following are my tasting notes for the five wines I tasted with David: 2018 Ovation Sparkling Wine – a full-bodied and rich sparkler with fresh notes of green apple on the nose followed by complex toasty notes, white peach, lemon meringue, a hint of salty stone, and endless streaming bubbles. Made from Sonoma Coast grapes. Sophisticated and complex. ($135, 94 points) 2023 Joseph Phelps Sauvignon Blanc - Vibrant and fresh, made with Napa Valley grapes, this wine opens with a lovely white floral nose followed by pink grapefruit, Meyer lemon and a hint of minerality on the palate, with a creamy, delectable and long finish. Aged in a larger 'cigar' shaped French oak barrel. Elegant and creamy. ($75, 93 points) 2022 Joseph Phelps Freestone Pinot Noir – a silky and sexy pinot noir with a nose of roses and raspberries, with dried strawberry, spice and a hint of truffle on the palate. Medium-bodied it has silky-smooth tannins, well-integrated toasty oak, and a long seductive finish. The grapes are from their Sonoma Coast Freestone Vineyard which is very close to the Pacific Ocean. Truly lovely, elegant, and quite delicious. ($74, 95 points). 2022 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley - rich nose of boysenberry, earth and cassis, which follows through on the pallet, picking up more mixed berries, spice and cocoa. A pleasant purity of ripe fruit, with a long finish, wrapped in 50% French and 50% American oak and aged for 24 months. Composed of 8 different Napa Valley vineyards, this wine is considered the second label to Insignia. ($100, 92 points). 2021 Joseph Phelps Insignia – This wine was listed as one of the top 10 U.S. cabernets in an earlier Forbes article. It is a true classic Napa cab with both power and elegance. This wine entices with blackberry, plum, allspice and vanilla with smooth tannins and a bright acidity. It glides across the palate, mesmerizing with complex notes of oak, tobacco, and warm earth. Aged 24 months in new French oak, and made from a blend of the very best vineyards and barrel lots from that year. Always a crowd-pleaser. ($365, 97 points) Portfolio of Some of the Wines Crafted By Joseph Phelps Vineyards in Napa Valley, CA As we enjoyed sampling the wines, two small dishes arrived that are part of the wine and food pairing series offered to people who visit the tasting room. The first was goat cheese baked in pastry with fresh herbs, which paired very well with the sparkling wine and sauvignon blanc. The second dish was beef croquette cooked with truffles and aioli, and was stunning with the three red wines. The Joseph Phelps tasting room has been completely refurbished inside with comfortable chairs and tables so visitors can view the vast green vineyards and mountains that surround the property. There is also a large outdoor wooden deck with seating nooks. The winery building of dark redwood is the original one designed by Joseph Phelp to blend into nature.
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rory McIlroy's complex love life from cancelled wedding to divorce U-turn
Rory McIlroy's love life has seen its fair share of drama - from a called-off wedding to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki to a surprise U-turn on his recent divorce plans Away from the the golf course, Rory McIlroy's love life has been far from smooth sailing, marked by high-profile romances, heartbreaks, and speculation. The Northern Irish golf ace, 35, may be one of Europe's most successful players, but off the course, his romantic history has been a rollercoaster. Over the years, he's been linked to several women in the spotlight - and most recently, eyebrows were raised again following an "awkward" post-match interview with CBS Sports presenter Amanda Balionis. The pair were once rumoured to be romantically involved during a rocky patch in Rory's marriage to Erica Stoll - a relationship he appeared ready to end before making a dramatic U-turn on divorce proceedings. Fresh from his first career win at Pebble Beach, Rory's on-camera moment with Amanda reignited chatter about their alleged past, leaving viewers both intrigued and stunned. "To win at one of the cathedrals of golf is really really cool. I knew today was gonna be tough, it was gonna be exciting, there were so many guys around the lead," he told Amanda. The clip was shared on X in February, with one writing: "This is EMBARRASSING to watch these two after the debacle last year off-course." Another wrote: "Sure didn't waste anytime getting that interview up. Wonder why?" A third simply shared: "Awkward" with a grimacing emoji. Here, the Mirror looks back at Rory's rollercoaster love life. Meghan Markle rumours Long before Meghan Markle found happiness with Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex was linked to Rory. Back in the summer of 2014, Meghan - who was at the height of her Suits fame - struck up an unexpected friendship with the golf star. Romance rumours came after he nominated her to do the Ice Bucket Challenge for the ALS Association. The viral trend saw those taking part throw ice-cold water over themselves and post a video of it on social media to raise awareness of ALS, a type of motor neurone disease. Meghan accepted the nomination on one condition - Rory threw the ice-cold water over her himself. After the video was posted on social media, it was reported the pair enjoyed drinks and dinner in New York. Shortly afterwards, Meghan gushed about her pal on her former blog, The Tig, calling him the "real deal". She wrote: "Ah yes. Rory McIlroy. THE Rory McIlroy. Whispered (and shouted) to be the foremost golfer in the world, loved by Tiger, respected by Palmer, and dumper of frigid water on to my lone head for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. That Rory McIlroy. "'He is a force who has the propensity to actually work hard and play hard - relishing intense practices to substantiate his title, embracing nights of sipping Opus One (his bold and impressive choice of wine) and indulging in group dinners at Cipriani - for the balance, of course. "And yet, beyond his work/play ethic, the most endearing quality of this man is his character - as real and honest as they come, appreciating a simple smile, never shunning a fan photo, enjoying a plate of pasta with veal ragu, and expressing a love for his parents that is rarely seen in men his age. Or at any age, to be honest. He is not just the real deal… he is real. And perhaps that is what makes him even more cherished." Dating rumours intensified when several months later, in October 2014, they were spotted having dinner together at the trendy Dublin restaurant Fade Street Social. But despite speculation, the pair were never more than friends. In fact, Meghan was said to be dating chef Cory Vitiello. Brutal break-up When Rory and Caroline Wozniacki, the former world number one tennis star, announced their engagement in December 2013, it looked like they were on their way to becoming a sporting power couple. The pair had been dating for three years and frequently attended each other's events, with the swimsuit model even occasionally acting as her partner's caddy. However, just months after getting down on one knee on New Year's Eve, Rory suddenly called it off - reportedly even after the wedding invites had been sent out. According to The Times, Rory phoned his fiancée to inform her of his intentions with a three-minute call that the Dane initially thought was a joke. His comments about the break-up proved the start of a bitter war of words between the estranged pair. Speaking to the Irish Independent in 2017, he said: "I thought at the time that being with someone that was in a similar position to you was the obvious answer. But it isn't, because you can never get away from it. You can never detach yourself and try to come back to the real world." Divorce U-turn Rory moved on months after breaking off the engagement and found love with Erica, whom he first met in 2012 while she was working for the PGA in America. In 2017, the couple walked down the aisle in Ashworth Castle, one of Ireland's top hotels. The star-studded guest list included Chris Martin from Coldplay and One Direction's Niall Horan, while there were also performances from Stevie Wonder and Ed Sheeran. In August 2020, the couple welcomed their daughter, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy. Speaking to the Irish Independent, the sportsman opened up about Erica's admirable lack of "judgement" - and appeared to take a dig at his ex once more. He said: "We met when she was working for the PGA of America, and renting a condo in Palm Beach, and I found it refreshing being with someone who was living a normal life rather than, 'Oh! My jet is 30 minutes late!' "I could speak to her about anything, we ended up spending a bit of time together and realised that there was something more there. I love that she knows everything about me, and there was no judgement there. There was no judgement from day one, which is huge, because that's very hard to find for someone in my position." But their happy marriage appeared to come to an end when the shock news that Rory filed for divorce after seven years made headlines. The petition was filed in Palm Beach County State Court in Florida on Monday, May 13, 2024. "Rory McIlroy's communications team confirmed today that a divorce has been filed," a statement from the 35-year-old's team read. "They stressed Rory's desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible. He will not be making any further comment." However just a month later, Rory scrapped his divorce plan, as reported DailyMail. The paper reported that Erica failed to respond or even register an attorney by the June 2 deadline. Just two days before the opening round of the US Open, Rory addressed the speculation, confirming they were indeed back together. Releasing a statement to the Guardian, he said: "There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumour is a fool's game. Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning." At the time of their reconciliation, Rory had been linked to CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis, 38, after the pair were seen hugging following an interview at the RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ontario. Balionis is married to football coach Bryn Renner, but had been spotted without wearing her wedding ring and reverted back to her maiden name. The couple has yet to comment on speculation that they have separated. Neither she nor Mcllroy addressed the affair rumours, but an unnamed source told Us Weekly they weren't dating. It appears Rory wants to put the speculation behind him as towards the end of last year, his family were there to congratulate him after he made his way off the course at the DP World Tour Championship. McIlroy was able to give his young daughter a big hug in celebration, before embracing with Stoll as the pair shared a kiss. He then returned to the 18th green a while later for the post-tournament presentation and paid tribute to his family, telling Erica and Poppy: "I love you," during his victory speech. In the immediate aftermath, an emotional McIlroy revealed what he had been through in the past year. "Yeah It means a lot," he declared. "I've been through a lot this year professionally, personally. It feels like the fitting end to 2024. You know, yeah, look, I've persevered this year a lot. Had close calls. Wasn't able to get it done... Really pleased with the way I finished and thankfully I hung on on a tough day and got it done."
