Staff Reporter.
Caption: Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll, Photo Credit: Getty Images.
Rory McIlroy has filed for divorce from his wife Erica after seven years of marriage and on the eve of the PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Court records show the Northern Irishman submitted a “petition for dissolution of marriage” in Palm Beach County in Florida on Monday.
They married in 2017 and have one child together, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy, who was born in 2020.
A spokesperson for the golfer confirmed the news and “stressed Rory’s desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible”.
The pair met in 2012 when Erica was working for the PGA of America at the Ryder Cup and McIlroy credited her with helping him get a police escort to the course after misreading his tee time for the Sunday singles.
McIlroy made it to the course with just minutes to spare and went on to beat Keegan Bradley as Europe pulled off the ‘Miracle at Medinah’ by recovering from 10-6 behind to retain the trophy.
McIlroy, 35, filed for divorce the day after winning the Wells Fargo Championship for the fourth time at Quail Hollow.
The world number two is scheduled to speak to the media at 18:00 BST on Wednesday at Valhalla as he prepares for the second men’s major of the year, which starts on Thursday.
He won his fourth and last major to date at the Louisville course in 2014.
Three months before his win at Valhalla in 2014, McIlroy broke off his engagement to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki just days after sending out wedding invitations.
McIlroy announced the news the day before the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, saying in a statement that he was not ready for marriage, then answered questions about the split during his scheduled pre-tournament press conference.
Looking drained and emotional, McIlroy said: “Obviously (it’s) quite a difficult time for Caroline and myself and I think the statement really said it all this morning. It was mutual and amicable and we both thought it was the best for both of us. Time to move on and I think I’ve said all that I need to say.”
Despite trailing Thomas Bjorn by seven shots heading into the final round, McIlroy carded a closing 66 to lift the trophy, finishing a shot ahead of Lowry.
McIlroy won The Open that July and the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in his next start, before claiming a one-shot victory at the PGA Championship the following week to register a fourth major title in as many years.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.