Rory McIlroy has delivered a positive update on his relationship with wife Erica Stoll after the couple’s dramatic divorce U-turn last summer, admitting it is ‘amazing’ to share his golfing life with his family ahead of the Masters.
The Northern Irishman, 35, who is chasing down his maiden triumph at Augusta this week, sent shockwaves across the world of sport last year after announcing his plans to divorce wife Erica before the 2024 PGA Championship.
But the duo ultimately revealed later in the summer that they had reconciled the relationship and reversed the decision, calling off the divorce just days before the US Open in North Carolina.
McIlroy was seen wearing his wedding ring at Augusta on Wednesday as he took part in the traditional par-three curtain raiser on the eve of the Masters, joined by Erica and his four-year-old daughter Poppy.
Ahead of the Masters, which tees off on Thursday, McIlroy discussed the importance of his family as they prepare to support him in his bid to win the elusive major.
Speaking of daughter Poppy, he said: ‘Yeah, look, it definitely makes the lows a little easier to take.
Rory McIlroy shared an update on his relationship with wife Erica Stoll ahead of the Masters
McIlroy is joined by Erica and his four-year-old daughter Poppy at Augusta this week
The 35-year-old admitted it is ‘amazing’ to have his family supporting him as he chases victory
‘The highs are going to be high anyway, but it’s amazing — I think especially after The Players, I think it was the first time that she sort of realised what I did, which was really cool. Also a little scary at the same time.’
McIlroy won his second Players Championship in March, six years on from his maiden triumph, and was joined by Erica and Poppy at TPC Sawgrass.
After holing the winning putt, McIlroy strolled up to his family before scooping Poppy into his arms for a big hug. He doted on his daughter as she adorably gifted him a flower to congratulate him on his triumph.
The four-time major winner the leaned in for a celebratory kiss with his wife as she congratulated him on the victory.
McIlroy’s family were also in Dubai to watch his season-ending success at the DP World Championships last November, which clinched a sixth Race to Dubai title.
The 35-year-old continued: ‘Yeah, look, it’s amazing that I can share these things with her and with Erica and, the day after The Players, she went into school and there was a couple of kids that had said some stuff to her, and she came home to me that day and said, “Daddy, are you famous?”
‘I said: “It depends who you talk to!” It’s a bit of a double-edged sword. You have to temper the expectations sometimes. As everyone knows that’s had 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren, it’s an amazing addition to life, and it’s great that she’s here this week.’
Poppy upstaged her father during the hugely popular par-three contest at Augusta on Wednesday after the world No 2 let her take on a winding putt of around 25 feet on the ninth hole.
McIlroy and wife Erica are putting on a united front at Augusta after nearly divorcing last year
The golfer is bidding for his maiden triumph at the Masters after winning The Players in March
Poppy stole the show with a superb putt in Wednesday’s traditional par-three curtain raiser
After McIlroy’s close friend Shane Lowry appeared to explain to Poppy that the ball only needed a gentle touch, she duly obliged and softly stroked the ball towards the hole.
It snɑƙeɗ left and right before finding its line and running away into the cup. Lowry immediately sensed the ball was destined for the hole, throwing his hands up into the air with it about five feet from the flag.
Poppy herself almost seemed overwhelmed by the crowd noise while everyone around her went wild – she even left her dad hanging when he went for a high-five. Eventually, she gave McIlroy a hug instead.
McIlroy’s long-standing efforts to conquer Augusta and finally win a green jacket have been chronicled all too well this week – and they will be for as long as a Masters title eludes him.
