Meghan Markle's verdict on Rory McIlroy speaks volumes as 'real deal' chases Masters glory Rory McIlroy and Meghan Markle have a surprising friendship dating back over a decade, which the golfer made public around the time he last won a major in 2014 Rory McIlroy has an unlikely friendship with Meghan Markle (Image: Getty Images ) Meghan Markle acknowledged Rory McIlroy as the "foremost golfer in the world" over a decade ago after interviewing the golfer for her former blog, The Tig. The now Duchess of Sussex published that post weeks after he won the PGA Championship. That was his second major success of the year, having also triumphed when Royal Liverpool hosted The Open in 2014. However, he has not added to his total of four over the years after several second-place finishes since, first at the Masters in 2022, then during the last two US Opens. ‌ Article continues below McIlroy now has another opportunity to end that drought on Sunday, taking a two-shot lead into the final round of this year's Masters after a six-under Saturday at Augusta. Markle, assumedly, will be cheering him on from afar. Her blog post about the Northern Irishman begins: "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 onto 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. "A critical darling and fan favourite – it's for good reason – he is born and raised in Holywood, Ireland – a long cry from my hometown of Hollywood, California – and yet, he, alone, could be the impetus for his Holywood's own Walk of Fame. ‌ "I imagine they would be glad to welcome that gilded boulevard in his honour. "Today's TIG Talk is with the courteous, classy, and ever so talented, Rory McIlroy – who, by the way, had the kindness and wherewithal to not put the two full bags of ice I bought into the bucket – he wanted me to raise awareness for ALS, and yet also survive the challenge. "For that, I am most grateful." Article continues below With McIlroy chasing Masters glory on Sunday, the Northern Irishman will be hoping to prove the Duchess of Sussex right and show he really is the 'real deal.