Last week, PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy and his wife, Erica Stoll, filed for divorce after seven years of marriage. While the exact reasons for the divorce were not immediately clear, reports suggest that their relationship had been strained for some time. Stoll reportedly felt “lonely” in their marriage, and McIlroy’s demanding playing career made him “a hard person to be married to.” The couple had been living “very different lives” over the past two years, with McIlroy frequently on the road for tournaments, causing Stoll to reach a breaking point.
According to Us Weekly, Stoll’s perspective on their marriage changed after the birth of their daughter, Poppy. She became more focused on their child and was often absent from McIlroy’s tournaments. The couple seemed to have drifted apart as McIlroy continued to travel for his career, leading to the decision to file for divorce. McIlroy’s camp released a statement emphasizing his desire for a respectful and amicable separation, highlighting the difficult time the couple is going through.
McIlroy and Stoll began dating in 2015 after McIlroy ended his engagement to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. They got engaged later that year and tied the knot in April 2017. Stoll, a former PGA of America employee, had been a supportive presence at McIlroy’s tournaments, including the Ryder Cup. However, as their lives took different paths, their marriage began to face challenges, ultimately resulting in the decision to part ways.
Despite the personal turmoil, McIlroy continued to focus on his professional career, competing in the recent PGA Championship in Valhalla where he finished tied for 12th, nine shots behind Xander Schauffele, who set a record for the lowest score in a major championship. While McIlroy faced challenges in his personal life, his commitment to golf remained strong as he navigated this difficult period. The divorce announcement came as a surprise to many, shedding light on the complexities of balancing a demanding athletic career with personal relationships.
The couple’s decision to end their marriage marks a new chapter in both of their lives. As they navigate this transition, they will need to focus on co-parenting their daughter while also pursuing their individual goals and aspirations. While divorce is never easy, especially in the public eye, McIlroy and Stoll are committed to handling the situation with respect and dignity. Their story serves as a reminder of the challenges that can arise in a high-profile marriage and the importance of communication and understanding in any relationship.
