Champion golfer Rory McIlroy is trading the Florida sunshine for the familiar skies of Great britain, joining a growing list of British celebrities who have recently returned home. After a long stint in Jupiter, Florida, McIlroy is setting up a new base just outside London.

The Wentworth Move

While McIlroy won’t be returning to his native Belfast, he and his wife, Erica Stoll, are building a custom home in Wentworth, home to one of Britain’s most prestigious golf courses, according to The Telegraph. this move marks a notable change for the Northern Irish sportsman, who has been a long-time Florida resident.

Financial Flexibility

McIlroy’s decision comes after a series of high-profile wins.He recently secured the U.S. Masters, pocketing $4.2 million in prize money. In March, he won the Players Championship, adding another $4.6 million to his earnings. According to Realtor.com, work on his new home began shortly after he and Stoll called off plans to divorce last year.

mcilroy also owns an $18 million mansion in the Bear’s Club golf community in Jupiter,Florida,which he purchased in 2017,Realtor.com reports. It remains unclear whether he plans to retain the property after his move.

A Growing Trend

McIlroy’s return aligns with a broader trend of British celebrities leaving the U.S. to return to the U.K. Several factors are influencing this shift, ranging from family considerations to concerns about safety and cultural identity.

Reasons for Returning

Several celebrities have publicly cited their reasons for moving back to the U.K.

• Gun violence Concerns: Ozzy Osbourne and Cat Deeley have both mentioned gun violence as a significant factor in their decisions.
• Family Ties: James Corden, former host of “Late Late Show,” emphasized the importance of his children connecting with their British heritage and extended family.

  My son was 3 when we moved [to America], my daughter was 12 weeks.When we left, he was 12, my daughter was 8, and our younger daughter, who is an American, and we treat her as such…No, really for us, it was the notion that it was time. We wanted them to know their grandparents. And with my son finishing sixth grade, it was just an absolute pull to go home, and root that period of their lives in – we wanted them to know Britain, and their extended family.
  james Corden, “Today” Show

• Raising Children in the UK: Jason Statham and his wife, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, moved back to London in 2020 with the intention of raising their children in a British habitat.

  It was always part of the plan to raise the kids hear. They’re growing up British with their little British accents, which was important for us, and we have a great support system here.
  Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Times of London

• Career Opportunities: Huntington-Whitely also noted that Statham’s career played a role in their decision, allowing him to work in London and be closer to his family.
  He was like, ‘I’m going to be away from you and the kids for big stretches [shooting movies]. If we move to London, I can make everything there.’ So that was a really big reason. He goes to work and comes home ultimately, which is pretty special for somebody in his line of work.
• Political and Personal Reasons: Actress Minnie Driver, who lived in Los Angeles for 27 years, cited both political concerns and the desire to raise her son in London as reasons for her return.
  I will always be between both places,but my son’s at school here,so if I’m not working,I’m wherever he is.