Golf’s nastiest splits – from heartless Rory McIlroy dumping to Tiger Woods’ affair

Golf’s Nastiest Splits: From Rory McIlroy’s Heartless Dumping to Tiger Woods’ Infamous Affair

Professional golfer Rory McIlroy recently filed for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll, marking the end of their seven-year marriage. As the couple navigates their separation, the Mirror looks back at some of the most notorious romantic scandals in golfing history.

Rory McIlroy and Caroline Wozniacki

Before marrying Erica Stoll, Rory McIlroy was engaged to Danish tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. The couple got engaged on New Year’s Eve 2014 in Sydney, Australia, and plans for a November wedding were set in motion. However, in May 2014, Rory abruptly called off the engagement. In a statement, Rory admitted, “The problem is mine. The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realize that I wasn’t ready for all that marriage entails. I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we’ve had.”

The break-up was shocking not just for its abruptness but for its execution: Rory ended things over a two-minute phone call. Caroline later expressed her disappointment, revealing in a September 2014 interview, “I thought at least it would be face-to-face or something, but there was nothing. It was a phone call and I didn’t hear from him again.”

Caroline eventually moved on, marrying basketball player David Lee in a picturesque Tuscan ceremony, with Serena Williams as one of her bridesmaids. The couple now has two children, Olivia and James.

Colin Montgomerie and Gaynor Knowles

Scottish golfer Colin Montgomerie’s second marriage to Gaynor Knowles ended tumultuously in 2017. The Herald reported that during their divorce proceedings, Montgomerie confessed to multiple affairs. Gaynor discovered a compromising text message while they were on holiday in Dubai, prompting her to issue an ultimatum: sign a post-nuptial agreement or face divorce.

Montgomerie agreed to the terms, which included paying for the upkeep of Gaynor’s £2 million Perthshire farmhouse. Despite his efforts to save the marriage, the relationship ended. Montgomerie sued Gaynor for £5 million and demanded monthly payments of £6,500. Gaynor countersued, insisting he adhere to their agreement and sought £5 million plus £10,000 per month.

By March 2017, they reached an out-of-court settlement, and Montgomerie has since remarried his manager, Sarah Casey.

#### Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren

Tiger Woods’ career was overshadowed by scandal in 2009 when the National Enquirer revealed his affair with Rachel Uchitel. At the time, Tiger was at the peak of his career and married to Swedish model Elin Nordegren, with whom he had two children, Sam and Charlie.

Elin’s suspicions were confirmed when she discovered a declaration of love on Tiger’s phone. On Thanksgiving night, she confronted Tiger, leading to a dramatic incident where he crashed his SUV after fleeing their home. Subsequent revelations revealed that Tiger had been involved with as many as 14 women.

The fallout was severe, costing Tiger endorsement deals with Gatorade, Gillette, and Accenture. He entered rehab for sex addiction in December and publicly apologized in February, admitting, “I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated. What I did was not acceptable.”

Tiger and Elin divorced in August 2010. Elin later found love with American football player Jordan Cameron.

These high-profile splits highlight that even in the seemingly serene world of golf, personal dramas can unfold with intensity and public scrutiny, rivaling the scandals seen in other sports.