Rory McIlroy, the renowned Northern Irish golfer, has reversed his decision to divorce his wife Erica Stoll. The couple, who married in 2017 following a swift proposal, have decided to stay together after resolving their differences.
McIlroy and Stoll’s relationship began under serendipitous circumstances. They met in 2012 during the Ryder Cup in Illinois, where Erica, a PGA transport official, played a crucial role in ensuring McIlroy made it to his tee-off time on schedule after he had overslept due to a time zone mix-up. At the time, Rory was engaged to tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, but that relationship ended abruptly in 2014.
McIlroy and Stoll’s friendship gradually evolved into a romantic relationship by late 2014. Rory appreciated Erica’s grounded lifestyle, which contrasted with the high-profile lives he was used to. He found it refreshing to be with someone living a “normal life,” as he mentioned in an interview with the Irish Sunday Independent.
Their relationship remained private, and McIlroy proposed to Stoll in May 2015 during a trip to Paris. Despite initial doubts caused by a terrorist attack in the city, Rory proposed during a dinner date, hoping to enhance their trip’s overall experience.
The couple married in a private ceremony at Ashford Castle in Ireland in April 2017, with high-profile guests like Stevie Wonder, Ed Sheeran, and Chris Martin attending. The event was heavily secured, with wristbands issued to the 200 guests to access the estate.
In August 2020, Rory and Erica welcomed their daughter, Poppy. However, in May 2024, McIlroy filed for divorce, just after their seventh wedding anniversary. His team released a statement emphasizing his wish to handle the situation respectfully and amicably.
A month later, McIlroy announced they had reconciled. In an interview with The Guardian, he expressed regret over the rumors about their personal life and shared that they had realized their best future lay together as a family. They are now looking forward to a fresh start.