Rory McIlroy’s ‘messy life’ is blamed for major struggles after Erica Stoll divorce saga

Rory McIlroy’s former agent, Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler, believes that McIlroy’s personal life may be affecting his performance on the golf course. McIlroy recently had a difficult time at a tournament, recording a disappointing 78 after two rounds, raising doubts about his chances of securing his first major title in a decade. This follows a period of personal turmoil for the Northern Irishman, including a near-collapse at the US Open amid rumors of marital issues. Just before the US Open, McIlroy and his wife Erica Stoll decided to halt their divorce proceedings.

McIlroy had filed for divorce from Stoll the previous month, citing that their marriage was “irretrievably broken.” Despite winning the Wells Fargo Championship on May 12, McIlroy’s decision to file for divorce the next day raised questions about his mental state.

Currently struggling at Royal Troon and at risk of missing the cut after shooting seven-over, Chandler expressed his concerns on talkSPORT. He mentioned how off-course distractions might be impacting McIlroy’s game. Chandler remarked, “The top players obviously play better more often, and then the really top players take their chances. That’s all that’s happened with Rory. Rory’s played fantastically for ten years; he just doesn’t take any chances.”

Chandler added, “Looking from the outside, and I haven’t seen Rory for a couple of years, but to me, it looks like his life is messy. As a sportsman, you need total focus. But it seems Rory has spent a year and a half fighting LIV for the PGA Tour, then the PGA Tour pulled the rug from under him, then he started talking about LIV not being too bad, then he had his marriage problems, and then he’s under intense media scrutiny because he hasn’t won a major in ten years. He just can’t get away from it. I think his life is really messy.”

McIlroy had a two-shot lead with five holes left at the US Open, raising fans’ hopes that his 10-year major drought might end. However, he missed two short putts in a devastating three-bogey streak, allowing Bryson DeChambeau to triumph with a stunning play at the 18th.

After DeChambeau’s victory, a visibly shaken McIlroy made a swift exit from Pinehurst No. 2, struggling to digest his defeat. He subsequently withdrew from several tournaments to be with his family during this period of personal upheaval.