Rory McIlroy has emotional message for wife Erica Stoll months after filing for divorce

Rory McIlroy Triumphs at DP World Tour Championship, Reflects on Personal and Professional Journey

Rory McIlroy concluded a challenging yet rewarding year with an emotional victory at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. The Northern Irish golfer, who edged out Rasmus Hojgaard by two shots, took the opportunity to reflect on a tumultuous 2024 both on and off the course.

A Turbulent Year Off the Course

McIlroy’s win came just six months after he and his wife, Erica Stoll, began proceedings to end their seven-year marriage. The couple, who share a three-year-old daughter named Poppy, reconciled a month later, choosing to prioritize their family. Speaking after his victory, McIlroy expressed gratitude to his wife and daughter for their unwavering support.

“Erica, Poppy, I know you are here somewhere. I love you and thanks for sticking by me,” McIlroy said during his winning speech. “I’ve been through a lot this year, professionally and personally. It feels like the fitting end to 2024.”

The golfer, known for his candid nature, acknowledged that the challenges in his personal life had influenced his mindset throughout the season. Upon reconciling with Erica earlier in the year, McIlroy stated, “Our best future is as a family together,” a sentiment he reiterated following his victory in Dubai.

Close Calls and Perseverance

The 2024 season was a rollercoaster for McIlroy, marked by near-misses in several high-profile tournaments. He narrowly lost a playoff at the BMW PGA Championship, fell one stroke short at the Irish Open, and saw a potential victory slip away at the US Open in July, prolonging his major championship drought.

Despite these disappointments, McIlroy’s resilience shone through as he fought to end the year on a high note. His performance at Jumeirah Golf Estates demonstrated both skill and mental fortitude. The final round saw him break away from Hojgaard with a crucial birdie on the 16th hole. Holding his nerve, McIlroy sealed his two-shot win with a steady finish on the 18th.

“I’ve persevered this year a lot, had close calls, and wasn’t able to get it done,” McIlroy admitted. “But I’m super happy with where I am in my career and in my life, and I feel like everything’s worked out the way it was supposed to.”

A Historic Achievement

With this win, McIlroy secured his sixth Order of Merit title, solidifying his status as the best player on the DP World Tour in 2024. The victory also marked another Race to Dubai triumph, further cementing his legacy in European golf.

Reflecting on the achievement, McIlroy shared, “I would have been miserable for a few weeks if I had not won today. It would have just added to the list of ones that I felt I let get away. For one to not get away and to get over the line at the final event of the year—it feels nice.”

Looking Ahead

As the 2024 season concludes, McIlroy’s victory in Dubai not only highlights his exceptional skill but also symbolizes a personal turning point. His heartfelt message to his family underscores the importance of their support throughout a challenging year.

“There was probably a lot of self-inflicted pressure. I really wanted to get it done,” McIlroy admitted. “I love to end the year on a positive note. I was maybe feeling a little more pressure than I should have. But it was nice to be able to handle it in a decent way.”

With his professional and personal life seemingly back on track, Rory McIlroy looks poised to carry this momentum into the 2025 season, ready to take on new challenges and continue his pursuit of greatness in the world of golf.