The feminist mantra of ‘behind every great man there’s a great woman’ is one that still rings true today, particularly when it comes to top class sport.

Many of the world’s top male stars would be lost if left to their own devices as their partners are the driving force behind their success in a sporting arena.

That is undoubtedly the case where golf is concerned, with many players needing the steadying influence of their wife or girlfriend to help them stay grounded.

With that in mind, we take a closer look at some of the talented females who will play a vital role in their respective partners’ bid to win the 2023 US Open.

Erica Stoll and Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy will head into this year’s tournament as one of the favourites to win the title after rediscovering the form he showed earlier in his career.

The 33-year-old has been tipped by several top Irish bookmakers to finally get his hands on another major championship – nine years after his last success.

McIlroy had several high-profile relationships before marrying with Erica Stoll in 2017. The couple now have a daughter, and McIlroy is far more mature than was previously the case.

Stoll is extremely passionate about golf having served in the role of Championship Volunteer Operations at the PGA of America.

She once saved McIlroy from missing his tee time at the Ryder Cup, arranging a police escort to rush him to the course after he overslept.

Meredith Scudder and Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler announced his arrival on the big stage at the 2022 US Masters Tournament, fending off a late charge by McIlroy to secure his first major title.

He has known Meredith Scudder since they were together at Highland Park High School in Dallas, and they dated for six years before marrying each other in 2020.

While the couple try to keep their romance private, Scudder rarely misses a tournament and is cited by Scheffler as being a major influence on his career.

Scudder is the co-founder, vice president and event planning team leader at non-profit organisation With Purpose: College Station.

They raise money and awareness for childhood cancer research. She has also worked with other humanitarian groups including Live Beyond and Family Legacy.

Paulina Gretzky and Dustin Johnson

Given her surname and career achievements, it could be argued that Paulina Gretzky is actually more famous than husband Dustin Johnson.

She is the daughter of Wayne Gretzky – a man rated by many people as the best player ever to grace the National Hockey League in North America.

Gretzky is a wealthy woman in her own right, forging several lucrative link-ups with high-profile brands, magazines and other media outlets.

Her filmography includes Fame (2009) and Grown Ups 2 (2013), while she has built up a massive following on social media courtesy of other activities.

After getting married in April 2022 following a long engagement, Johnson waxed lyrical about the influence Gretzky had on him on and off the golf course.

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Betty Bugle
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