It’s a Hard Life Being a Golfer’s Wife,” Source Says Following Rory McIlroy’s Surprise Divorce (Exclusive)
Amid the unexpected divorce between professional golfer Rory McIlroy and his wife of seven years, Erica Stoll, sources have opened up to PEOPLE about the unique challenges faced by the families of professional golfers. The couple’s split has come as a surprise to many, including their close-knit Florida community. A source close to the couple…
Amid the unexpected divorce between professional golfer Rory McIlroy and his wife of seven years, Erica Stoll, sources have opened up to PEOPLE about the unique challenges faced by the families of professional golfers. The couple’s split has come as a surprise to many, including their close-knit Florida community.
A source close to the couple explains that the lifestyle of a professional golfer can be incredibly demanding on their families. “It’s a hard life being a golfer’s wife,” the source reveals. “They’re always away at tournaments and practicing, there has to be a lot of trust.” This constant separation, combined with the presence of “hangers-on” and “beautiful women” at tournaments, can strain relationships. The source adds, “You either have to join them on tour and go with it or just have trust in them, it’s impossible to expect them to be home and able to help with the kids.”
Another insider notes that McIlroy is currently “super focused on golf” as he navigates the aftermath of his divorce. This focus has been a hallmark of his recent years, especially as he dedicated significant effort to defending the PGA against LIV Golf. This battle, culminating in a high-profile merger, left McIlroy feeling “somewhat like a sacrificial lamb,” according to the source. “He’s just trying to find himself, focus and get back to winning.”
Despite the public nature of his profession, McIlroy is described as “fairly down to earth for such a big star” and “very private” about his personal life. A source familiar with the exclusive Bear’s Club golf course in Jupiter, Florida, where McIlroy plays, shared that his privacy is so well-guarded that there was little speculation about his family life. “We are wondering what happened,” the source added.
McIlroy and Stoll’s relationship began in 2012 when they met while she was working as a transport official for the PGA of America. At that time, McIlroy was dating tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, to whom he proposed on New Year’s Eve 2013 before ending their engagement a few months later.