Rory McIlroy’s Rollercoaster Year: Divorce and Family Moments

Augusta, Georgia – Rory McIlroy, the four-time major champion, has had a turbulent year as he prepares for the 2025 Masters Tournament. Recently filing for divorce from his wife, Erica Stoll, McIlroy’s personal life has become a point of media focus, overshadowing his return to top form on the golf course.

In April 2024, just days before the PGA Championship, McIlroy filed for divorce in Florida after a marriage that began with a connection forged during the 2012 Ryder Cup. The couple’s relationship started when Stoll, then a PGA transport official, helped McIlroy reach his tee time after he overslept. The two quickly turned their connection into a romance, culminating in a 2017 wedding at Ashford Castle in Ireland. They share a daughter, Poppy Kennedy, born in August 2020.

Before making headlines for their split, the couple’s bond seemed strong. During the 2025 Par-3 contest at Augusta National, four-year-old Poppy captured attention by sinking a long putt, supported by her father and family friends. McIlroy expressed the joy of enjoying these moments with his wife and daughter, highlighting the importance of family in his life.

Following the divorce filing, McIlroy addressed the swirling rumors about their separation, stating, “Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.” Court records show that the divorce case was subsequently closed after a notice of voluntary dismissal, indicating a return to harmony.

As he heads into the Masters Tournament, McIlroy reflects on his recent successes, having won both The Players Championship and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in the same season. A win at the Masters would not only solidify his return to prominence but would also place him among the exclusive few to achieve the career Grand Slam.

Looking ahead, McIlroy is set to tee off at 1:12 p.m. Thursday, April 10, alongside Ludvig Åberg and Akshay Bhatia, aiming to lift the coveted Green Jacket once again.