Highlights
- Rory McIlroy's divorce filing from Erica Stoll could jeopardize his net worth and PGA Championship chances.
- The couple had a private yet impactful relationship, growing their family with daughter Poppy McIlroy.
- McIlroy faced public heartbreak before with tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, making his current split more complex.
In May 2024, TMZ reported that golf superstar Rory McIlroy filed for divorce from his wife of seven years, Erica Stoll. The news shocked many, especially with the timing being at the height of golf season. The notoriously private couple didn't make a joint statement on social media as many celebrity couples do, leaving fans' imaginations to run wild with theories and reasonings. The former couple share one daughter, Poppy McIlroy (4).
According to Golf Monthly, McIlroy's net worth sits around $225 million. From tournament earnings, to endorsement deals, and investments, McIllroy has a lot to protect in this divorce. Follow along as we learn more about Rory McIlroy's divorce, marriage, and how the breakup could affect his career.
Filing For Divorce Could Hurt Rory McIlroy's Chances At The PGA Championship
TMZ reported that Rory McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica Stoll in Florida on Monday, May 13, 2024. Although McIlroy hails from the Ireland, the family currently lives in Jupiter, Florida, as noted by the US Sun. According to the Associated Press, the divorce filings shared that the former couple’s marriage was “irretrievably broken.” Furthermore, McIlroy’s legal team is adamant that the prenuptial agreement that both McIlroy and Stoll signed back in 2017 be put into force. The results of which could put his PGA Championship at risk and even harm his net worth.
The ins and outs of the prenuptial agreement, however, are not open publicly at this time. If the penup is not iron clad, Stoll could walk away with millions.
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Tiger Woods' time in the spotlight might have caused former fans to drop their support of him.McIlroy's manager, Sean O'Flaherty, released a statement on the golfer's behalf:
"Rory McIlroy's communication team confirmed today that a divorce has been filed. They stressed Rory's desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible."
Interestingly, McIlroy is represented by Thomas Sasser — Tiger Woods' former lawyer whom was hired during Woods' awkward divorce from Elin Nordegren.
Woods' divorce cost him a fortune and played out in front of millions. As of this time, it's unknown if this divorce is amicable and wanted by both parties.
One of the biggest reasons Rory McIlroy's divorce from Erica Stoll is so shocking is the timing of it all. McIlroy filed for divorce the same week he's to compete in the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Course. From Thursday to Sunday (May 16-19), McIlroy is to compete against golf's biggest names, like Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka.
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Tiger Woods gave his best public interview yet during his chat on The Today Show alongside friend, Carson Daly.McIlroy will go against the defending champion in one of the biggest tournaments in golf. With millions of dollars on the line and all eyes on him, filing for a divorce a few days before an important tournament was a bold move.
Although McIlroy is one of the more decorated professional golfers, many worry about his mental well-being and how that will come in to play at the PGA Championship. With 26 PGA Tour wins and already winning two tournaments this year (the Wells Fargo Championship and Zurich Classic of New Orleans), according to the PGA Tour, McIlroy is aiming to snag another title at the 2024 PGA Championship. However, it's been 10 years since he's won a major. Will the UK native be able to play through the noise, rumors, and deep emotions? Time will tell.
How Did Rory McIlroy And Erica Stoll Meet?
The Associated Press shared that Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll had a rather unique start to their relationship. In 2012, Stoll worked for the PGA of America. During that year's Ryder Cup, Stoll and McIlroy met when he realized he set his alarm in the wrong timezone and was late for his match. Stoll was able to get McIlroy to his match on time after setting up a private police escort. In a shocking turn of events, he wound up winning his match, all thanks to Stoll.
The two sparked a friendship because McIlroy was already in a serious relationship with professional tennis player Caroline Wozniacki. However, when McIlroy and Wozniacki broke it off, he and Stoll began dating shortly after. In 2015, the pair got engaged and were married two years later.
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Tiger Woods has won more money from PGA Championships than anyone else in history.In 2020, McIlroy and Stoll's family grew when they welcomed their daughter, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy. Similar to their relationship, they kept the majority of their pregnancy private until Stoll was about to give birth. Golfweek shared how thrilled McIlroy was to welcome his daughter.
"It's a private matter, but we're really excited and can't wait for her to get here."
Over the years, Stoll and Poppy have cheered on McIlroy and are his greatest supporters. Poppy was even her dad's golf caddy at the Master's Par 3 Contest, as noted by PEOPLE.
Rory McIlroy Has Had A Complicated Road To Romance
Divorcing Erica Stoll isn't the first heartbreak Rory McIlroy had to endure publicly. In 2013, McIlroy was engaged to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. As professional athletes, the couple was beloved by sports fans. Unfortunately, a year later, McIlroy called off the engagement after the wedding invitations were already sent out.
US Magazine shared McIlroy's statement regarding calling off the wedding and ending his relationship.
"The problem is mine. The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realize that I wasn't ready for all that marriage entails. I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we've had."
When all the dust settled, Wozniacki shared on In Depth with Graham Bensinger what happened and how the breakup affected her. "I was shocked. I thought at least it would be face-to-face or something," she said. "But there was nothing. It was a phone call and I didn't hear from him again."
Partner | Years | Outcome |
Caroline Wozinacki | 4 years together | Broken engagement |
Erica Stoll | 7 years married | Pending divorce, according to TMZ |
Ending an engagement so publicly practically prepared McIlroy for announcing his divorce. Between the dissolution of his marriage and conflicts between the PGA and LIV Golf, McIlroy will either be a standout this golf season or fall apart due to scrutiny and stress — especially if Stoll fights the already-signed prenuptial agreement.
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