Rory McIlroy and his wife Erica Stoll have reportedly filed for divorce, ending their seven-year marriage. The couple’s relationship began to deteriorate following the birth of their daughter, Poppy, in August 2020.
Reports suggest that Stoll, a former publicist, struggled with loneliness due to McIlroy’s demanding career, which requires extensive travel. A source told Us Weekly, “A point of contention in Rory’s marriage with Erica was that Erica was lonely in their marriage. Rory was a hard person to be married to.” The source added that their lives had significantly diverged over the past two years, with McIlroy frequently on the road and Stoll focusing on raising their daughter.
Stoll’s absence at recent tournaments, including the Masters last month, highlighted the growing rift. The couple’s priorities shifted drastically after Poppy’s birth, with Stoll prioritizing her role as a mother. “She knew what she was getting into with his profession, but once they had Poppy, things really changed and she had a new perspective,” the source explained.
In the divorce filings, McIlroy has requested split custody of their three-year-old daughter. Despite the personal turmoil, McIlroy has maintained a professional demeanor, avoiding discussions about the divorce during the PGA Championship. When asked about his personal well-being, McIlroy simply stated, “I’m ready to play this week.”
During the tournament, McIlroy was seen without his wedding ring, while Stoll has reportedly been wearing her wedding band but not her engagement ring. McIlroy, a four-time major champion, finished the PGA Championship tied for 12th place, nine strokes behind the winner, Xander Schauffele.
McIlroy’s team released a statement emphasizing his desire to handle the divorce respectfully and amicably. He plans to take a brief break from tournament play before competing in the RBC Canadian Open at the end of May.