Rory McIlroy breaks his silence after filing for shock divorce

Professional golfer Rory McIlroy, aged 35, has recently filed for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll, also 35, in Florida, marking the end of their seven-year marriage. The news came just three days before the commencement of the PGA Championship, adding a personal dimension to McIlroy’s professional commitments.

The couple, who exchanged vows in 2017, welcomed their daughter Poppy in 2020, adding joy to their lives amidst their busy schedules. McIlroy’s team, in a statement, emphasized his desire for a respectful and amicable separation during this challenging time.

McIlroy, a prominent figure in the PGA Tour, was scheduled to address the media at Valhalla on Wednesday, but the press conference was postponed to later in the day. Court documents obtained by DailyMail.com revealed that the marriage was declared ‘irretrievably broken’.

Their relationship had a fairytale beginning, with McIlroy and Stoll meeting during the 2012 Ryder Cup. Stoll’s assistance to McIlroy during the tournament’s logistics challenges marked the start of their journey together. However, it was only a few years later that their romance blossomed, following McIlroy’s previous engagement with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki.

Their wedding in 2017 was a lavish affair held at Ashford Castle in Ireland, attended by celebrity guests and featuring performances by renowned artists. Despite their public profiles, McIlroy and Stoll largely kept their relationship private until now.

Notably, the couple had signed a prenuptial agreement, the details of which remain undisclosed. McIlroy’s choice of attorney, Thomas Sasser, draws parallels to Tiger Woods’ divorce proceedings in 2010.

The divorce filing also includes provisions for shared custody and a parenting plan for their daughter Poppy. The couple resided in a luxurious mansion in Jupiter, Florida, a hub for professional golfers.

Stoll, who hails from New York and holds a marketing degree, had been a constant presence at McIlroy’s tournaments, providing support and sharing moments with their daughter.

McIlroy’s split from Wozniacki in 2014, just before their planned wedding, drew media attention, echoing the timing of his current divorce filing. Despite personal challenges, McIlroy has maintained his professional success, with recent victories adding to his illustrious career.

The timing of McIlroy’s divorce filing, following consecutive wins on the PGA Tour, underscores the complexity of his personal and professional life. As he navigates this transition, McIlroy continues to showcase his prowess on the golf course alongside his enduring commitment to the sport.