Green Jacket on Center Court: McIlroy Thrills Wimbledon

Rory McIlroy caused a stir at the world’s most historic tennis tournament—not with his club, but with his outfit. The back-to-back Masters champion appeared in the famous green jacket in the Royal Box at Wimbledon, instantly turning Center Court into an unofficial Ryder Cup team gathering.

Wimbledon as a Meeting Place for the Golfing World

When the world’s best golfers travel to the UK for the Scottish Open and the British Open, their journey traditionally takes them to London as well—more specifically, to the southwest of the city, to the manicured grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis Club. For the pros on the Fairway, Wimbledon has long been more than just a sporting detour: it’s a social ritual, a moment of relaxation between two of the most important weeks on the golf calendar.

This year, several members of the European Ryder Cup team took advantage of the opportunity. On the second day of the tournament, July 2, 2026, they gathered in the exclusive Royal Box on Center Court to watch the second-round match between reigning Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner and Portugal’s Nuno Borges. The world No. 1 was in top form and didn’t give his opponent a chance in three Sets.

The Outfit of the Evening—and the Internet

Among the many celebrities in the Royal Box, one stood out in particular: Rory McIlroy. The 37-year-old Northern Irishman appeared in an ensemble that sparked conversation around the world—the Masters Tournament green jacket, paired with a matching green tie, a white shirt, and classic khaki pants.

The jacket is far more than just a piece of clothing. It has been awarded to the winner of the Masters in Augusta since 1949 and is considered one of the most iconic symbols in sports. McIlroy has every reason to wear it with particular pride right now: In April 2026, he defended his title from the previous year and won the Masters for the second time in a row. With his first victory, he completed his Career Grand Slam —he joins this illustrious circle as the sixth golfer in history and is only the fourth player ever to achieve back-to-back victories at Augusta.

The reigning champion is allowed to take the jacket home from Augusta National Golf Club for the duration of his title year—provided the club management grants permission for public appearances. McIlroy himself had pointed out the strict regulations after winning his first title in 2025: “I’m a little hesitant to wear it. You have to ask for permission every time—there are a lot of dos and don’ts.” (Source: EssentiallySports)

The fact that he wore it this time was met with a standing ovation from the audience in the Royal Box. His appearance also caused quite a stir on social media. ESPN reporter Marty Smith summed up the sentiment of many: “Green Jacket at Wimbledon: All-time flex.”

At his side, Erica Stoll looked radiant in a white maxi dress by the luxury label Alaïa, paired with a “Lady Dior” handbag and gold sandals—an outfit that was every bit as stunning as her husband’s.

A Ryder Cup reunion on Center Court

McIlroy wasn’t the only golfer in the crowd, though. Several of his teammates from the European Ryder Cup squad had the same idea: teammates Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose, as well as captain Luke Donald and vice-captains Thomas Bjørn, Edoardo Molinari, and Francesco Molinari, were also in the Royal Box. What began as a casual outing turned into a rare public appearance by the entire leadership core of one of the most successful teams in modern golf.

After the Italian’s victory, McIlroy took a moment to speak with Sinner personally—two athletes on equal footing, both champions in their respective disciplines.

London as a second home—and the next big goal

It’s no coincidence that McIlroy is currently in England. The six-time major champion moved his primary residence from Florida to London about a year ago so that his daughter Poppy could attend school there. He had already made the trip across the Atlantic two weeks ago—and used the time to train on the Royal Birkdale course on the Lancashire coast. That’s because the 154th British Open will take place there, in Southport, in just a few weeks—a tournament McIlroy last won in 2014.

Before that, the Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick is on the schedule. So the visit to Wimbledon was a deliberate break between two intense tournament weeks—relaxed, stylish, and featuring what is arguably the most famous jacket in the world of sports.