Rory McIlroy was seen without his wedding ring a few days after filing for divorce from Erica Stoll. McIlroy, who is 35 years old, was spotted practicing at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville on Wednesday, May 15. He was getting ready for the 2024 PGA Championship set to happen in Louisville on Thursday, May 16. McIlroy, the current favorite to win, was out on the course with his father preparing for the big match.
On Tuesday, May 14, it was revealed that McIlroy had filed for divorce from Stoll in Florida after seven years of marriage. Court documents obtained by the New York Post indicated that their marriage was deemed "irretrievably broken" and that they had a prenuptial agreement.
Following the news of McIlroy and Stoll's separation, the athlete's spokesperson released a statement. The spokeswoman for McIlroy informed the Irish Star that a divorce had indeed been filed. She emphasized McIlroy's wish for the process to be respectful and amicable, stating that he will refrain from making further comments on the matter.
The day before he filed for divorce, McIlroy shared that he performs best on the golf course when he is preoccupied.
Golfer Rory McIlroy Ditches His Wedding Ring After Filing for Divorce From Erica Stoll
Rory McIlroy was spotted without his wedding ring on May 15, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky. David Cannon/Getty Images
During a press conference on Sunday, May 12, McIlroy shared his thoughts on the PGA Tour Board, mentioning that playing golf for four or five hours a day allows him to escape from the world of golf. He expressed his ability to compartmentalize well and noted that he tends to play better when he has a lot going on in his life.
Golfer Rory McIlroy Ditches His Wedding Ring After Filing for Divorce From Erica Stoll
Rory McIlroy seen wearing his wedding ring on May 12, 2024 in Clifton, North Carolina. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
McIlroy and Stoll first crossed paths in 2012 during the Ryder Cup, where she was working as a PGA transport official. Stoll came to the golfer's rescue when he overslept and needed help getting to the tournament. At that time, McIlroy was in a relationship with tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, whom he later got engaged to in 2013. However, rumors swirled that McIlroy ended the engagement over the phone just a few months later and was soon linked to Stoll.
In a candid interview with The Times of London in May 2015, McIlroy revealed, "I have met someone new. She doesn't play golf, but she is involved with golf." He described Stoll as a good friend he had known for three years, emphasizing the importance of a strong off-course relationship for on-course success. "If everything off the golf course is good, it allows you to be better on it as well," McIlroy shared.
McIlroy and Stoll got married in April 2017, with guests like Ed Sheeran, Niall Horan, and Chris Martin in attendance. Three years after their wedding, the couple had their daughter Poppy in August 2020.
Editor's P/S:
The news of Rory McIlroy's divorce filing has sent shockwaves through the golf world and beyond. The couple had been married for seven years and seemed like the epitome of a happy and successful couple. McIlroy's comments about performing better when he has a lot going on in his life suggest that he may have been struggling with personal issues for some time. It's important to remember that divorce is never easy, and it's understandable that McIlroy may be going through a difficult time. We wish him and his family all the best as they navigate this challenging period.
McIlroy's comments about compartmentalizing and performing better when he has a lot going on in his life are particularly interesting. It's a reminder that everyone has their own unique way of coping with stress and adversity. For some people, it may be helpful to focus on their work or other activities as a way to escape from their problems. For others, it may be more helpful to talk about their feelings and seek support from loved ones. There is no right or wrong way to cope with stress, and it's important to find what works best for you.