Rory McIlroy had filed for divorce ahead of last year’s PGA Championships but the golf star and wife Erica Stoll appear stronger than ever going into the Masters
Rory McIlroy and wife Erica Stoll put on a united front as he made the final preparations for this year’s Masters. McIlroy is one of the favourites to win this year’s tournament and finally complete his career Grand Slam.
McIlroy sent shockwaves across the world of sport last year after announcing his plans to divorce before the PGA Championship. The Northern Irishman filed for divorce after seven years, citing an irretrievably broken marriage as the reason for the split.
Shortly after news of the divorce broke, McIlroy was seen without his wedding ring while playing at the 2024 PGA Championship in Louisville. Just a month later, the pair reconciled the relationship and reversed the decision, calling off the divorce just days before the US Open.
McIlroy won his second Players Championship in March, six years on from his maiden triumph, and was joined by Erica and Poppy at TPC Sawgrass. He sealed his triumph with a kiss from his wife.
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McIlroy was wearing his wedding ring at Augusta on Wednesday as he took part in the traditional par-three curtain raiser on the eve of the Masters, joined by Erica and four-year-old daughter Poppy. And McIlroy discussed the importance of his family as they prepare to support him in his bid to win the elusive major.
Talking about his four-year-old daughter, he said: “Yeah, look, it definitely makes the lows a little easier to take. The highs are going to be high anyway, but it’s amazing — I think especially after The Players, I think it was the first time that she sort of realised what I did, which was really cool. Also a little scary at the same time.”
The 35-year-old continued: “It’s amazing that I can share these things with her and with Erica and, the day after The Players, she went into school and there was a couple of kids that had said some stuff to her, and she came home to me that day and said, ‘Daddy, are you famous?’
“I said: ‘It depends who you talk to!’ It’s a bit of a double-edged sword. You have to temper the expectations sometimes. As everyone knows that’s had children, it’s an amazing addition to life, and it’s great that she’s here this week.”
Poppy stole the show at the Masters’ Par 3 Contest by sinking a monster putt. The event, held on the eve of the showpiece competition at Augusta National, sees players take in the course alongside their loved ones.
From some distance out, Poppy gave the ball a light tap, with the green’s slope helping to send it straight into the hole. Lowry led the celebrations alongside McIlroy, though Poppy appeared to be less than impressed, before wrapping into McIlroy’s arms with a comforting hug.
McIlroy’s Masters Career before 2025
McIlroy needs to win the Masters to join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in completing a career grand slam.
16 – Appearances (before this year)
13 – Number of cuts made
7 – Top-10 finishes
64 – Lowest score, final round in 2022
80 – Highest score, final round in 2011
2 – Best finish (2022)
2 – Number of opening rounds under 70
71.60 – Career scoring average
4.3million – Career earnings (in dollars)
21 – Total over par for his worst hole, the 11th
29 – Total under par for his best hole, the 15th
