Golf Star Rory McIlroy Files for Divorce Ahead of PGA Championship

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In a surprising turn of events, golf star Rory McIlroy and his wife of seven years, Erica Stoll, are parting ways. McIlroy has recently filed for divorce in Palm Beach County, Florida, just as the PGA Championship is about to tee off.

The divorce filing occurs ten years since McIlroy clinched his last major victory in 2014 at Valhalla. News of the impending divorce certainly adds an unexpected twist to the forthcoming tournament.


McIlroy and Stoll’s love story began back in 2012 at the Ryder Cup. Stoll was working for the PGA of America when McIlroy, in a bind after forgetting he was under Central time, nearly missed his Sunday singles match. Stoll stepped in to arrange a swift police escort to Medinah, enabling McIlroy to just make it in time. Defeating Keegan Bradley, McIlroy led Europe to a triumphant victory.

Their relationship only began to blossom a couple of years later, after McIlroy had called off an engagement to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. He and Stoll dated for a few years, got engaged in 2015, and eventually tied the knot in 2017. Their fairytale romance has been blessed with a daughter, Poppy, born in September 2020.

According to the divorce petition, their once-dreamy marriage has now become “irretrievably broken”. The document also requests the validation and enforcement of a prenuptial agreement, signed a month prior to their wedding. Thomas Sasser, McIlroy’s attorney, is a significant figure in the proceedings, having previously advocated for Tiger Woods in his 2010 divorce.

In a statement from his manager, Sean O’Flaherty, it was confirmed that divorce proceedings have indeed been initiated. Amidst the turmoil, McIlroy’s primary concern remains maintaining an amicable and respectful disposition throughout these challenging times.

McIlroy’s life has been tumultuous off the greens, too. As a major figure in LIV Golf’s launch, a Saudi-funded initiative, he faces constant criticism. After offering harsh criticism of LIV, he then shifted his stance, advocating for some form of reunification. His resignation from the PGA Tour board last November sparked further controversy, as did his subsequent plans to replace Webb Simpson on the same board.

The day after his stellar victory at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina, McIlroy lodged the divorce petition. His dedication to overcoming personal turmoil speaks to his resilience, as he plans to ‘reset’ before advancing to Louisville for the upcoming competition.

Amidst the ongoing issues in his personal and professional life, the divorce news underscores the complexities faced by one of golf’s brightest stars. Whether these developments will impact McIlroy’s performance at the impending PGA Championship remains to be seen.