Rory McIlroy has revealed that Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton played a surprising role in his historic Masters victory last month, thanks to his wife.
The Northern Irish golfer made the admission during his recent appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
McIlroy clinched the prestigious green jacket at Augusta National after defeating Justin Rose in a nail-biting playoff.
READ: 10 Months After Calling Off Divorce, Rory McIlroy Reveals He and Wife Erica Stoll Are Building Home Together in London
The win completed his career Grand Slam, joining an exclusive club of men’s golfers to achieve this feat.
McIlroy explained that his approach to the Masters involved finding ways to distract himself from tournament coverage.
“The week of the Masters, for me, I’m just trying to distract myself with doing anything,” he told Fallon.
“I’m trying not to watch coverage of the tournament, I’m trying not to watch anything about the golf.”
Instead, the golfer turned to alternative entertainment options.
“So, I was watching Bridgerton with my wife, which was her decision, but I actually got into it,” McIlroy admitted, prompting laughter from both Fallon and the audience.
“I’ve got into Bridgerton – I didn’t think I would. I was very against watching it, but Erica convinced me.
“So we’re on a bit of a Bridgerton kick this week, yeah.”
It seems Stoll may be the one making television choices in the McIlroy household.
The golfer described the show as “good” during his Tonight Show appearance.
McIlroy also shared other entertainment choices that helped him relax during tournaments.
He told Fallon he watched the family favourite Zootopia with his four-year-old daughter Poppy on Saturday morning before playing.
“You’re just trying to distract yourself,” he explained with a laugh.
This wasn’t the first time McIlroy used films to unwind before a big win.
Before clinching his second Players Championship in March, he watched The Devil Wears Prada the evening before defeating J.J. Spaun in a Monday playoff.
McIlroy’s unconventional relaxation techniques appear to have paid dividends in his quest for Masters glory.
After 16 attempts, the change in approach finally brought success at Augusta National.
His strict sleep routine combined with these entertainment distractions created a winning formula.
The golfer had previously vowed not to return to Fallon’s show until he secured a green jacket.
He kept that promise, appearing on The Tonight Show for the fourth time, leaving Fallon impressed by the five-time major champion’s new outfit.
