ROR BLIMEY
Rory McIlroy files for divorce from wife Erica following seven years of marriage
McIlroy boasts amazing amount of PGA wins during time with American beauty
RORY McILROY has filed for divorce from wife Erica Stoll after seven years of marriage.
The golf ace, 35, submitted a three-page document to a court in Florida on Monday, according to TMZ.
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The reasons for the divorce between McIlroy and 36-year-old Erica, who welcomed daughter Poppy in 2020, have not been disclosed.
But McIlroy has asked for the couple’s prenuptial agreement to be upheld, as well as implementing a shared parenting plan.
It comes just days before the four-time Major winner, worth an estimated £200million, is due to compete at the PGA Championship in Kentucky - with the ace seen warming up today at a practice session.
McIlroy’s representatives told SunSport: “Rory McIlroy’s communications team confirmed today that a divorce has been filed.
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"They stressed Rory’s desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible. He will not be making any further comment.”
McIlroy and American beauty Erica first met in 2011 when she was working for PGA at the Ryder Cup as manager of Championship Volunteer Operations.
A year later, the Northern Irishman was famously late to the course after his alarm failed to go off.
And Erica sorted a police escort for McIlroy, allowing him to tee off on time as Team Europe completed the "Miracle at Medinah".
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Back then, he was dating tennis superstar Caroline Wozniacki, with the pair later becoming engaged.
But after they cancelled their wedding plans and split in 2014, McIlroy and Erica began dating in 2015.
Rory McIlroy seen for first time since filing for divorce from wife Erica as he looks to repeat post-Wozniacki feat
Inside Rory McIlroy’s whirlwind love life
By Ciaran Wiseman
Rory McIlroy enjoyed a high-profile romance with former tennis world number one Caroline Wozniacki before their split in 2014.
The following year, the golf ace began dating Erica Stoll, who he had first met on the PGA Tour in 2011.
Erica often interacted with players through her role as the PGA’s manager of championship volunteer operations.
She even prevented McIlroy from missing his tee time at the 2012 Ryder Cup after some confusion over the time zone.
The incident began a firm friendship between the pair, four years before their relationship turned romantic.
McIlroy and Erica were spotted on a string of dates in Rochester, New York, in the early days of their relationship.
Just eight months later, the couple got engaged in Paris and walked down the aisle at Ashford Castle in Ireland in 2017.
The pair then welcomed daughter Poppy into the world three years later.
Throughout their time together, McIlroy and Erica have kept their relationship to themselves, with the golfer keen to protect his family from the cameras during filming of Netflix’s Full Swing documentary series.
However, after seven years of marriage, McIlroy has now filed for divorce from Erica.
The reasons for the divorce have not been disclosed, but the Northern Irishman has submitted documents to a court in Florida.
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The couple kept their relationship low-key.
And they eventually got hitched in 2017, with the guest list including Stevie Wonder, Coldplay’s Chris Martin and One Direction’s Niall Horan.
During their time together, McIlroy enjoyed 17 PGA Tour wins.
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Who are golf's most famous Wags?
The world's top golfers enjoy an incredible lifestyle - and their Wags lead thrilling lives of their own.
Here are some of the most high-profile beauties...
- This former beauty pageant contestant is now an actress and featured in Sharknado 5.
- The daughter of an ice hockey legend who has been branded the 'world's sexiest caddie'.
- A Master golfer raced home from his most recent triumph to be by his wife's side as she gave birth to their first child.
- An athlete who vaulted her way into a modelling career - and her golfer hubby's heart.
- A keen tennis player and former competitor in the javelin lived with her ex-world No1 husband for two years before getting together.
- Playing off a handicap of three, this sports reporter could give her fella a run for his money on the greens.
- This low-key beauty got married to a superstar golfer in front of Stevie Wonder, Chris Martin and Niall Horan.
- A former gymnast who has been her husband's rock for 14 years - he even pays tribute to her on his golf balls.
But his greatest prize came nearly four years ago when Erica gave birth to a baby girl.
Poppy Kennedy McIlroy was born on August 31 2020 and remains their only child.
As for Erica, she was born in 1988 and raised in Irondequoit, New York, with her sister, Natalie Stoll.
She previously lived in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
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There is little known about Erica's private life as she likes to stay away from the spotlight.
But she is reportedly a keen sailor and also enjoys baking.
Rory McIlroy's career achievements
By Ian Tuckey
Rory McIlroy spent more than 100 weeks at World No1 - and has scooped four Majors and won 40 tournaments in all SO FAR.
Only all-time greats Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have matched his feat of winning one of the big four by the age of 25.
And after winning the 2011 US Open, the Northern Ireland ace added the PGA Championship the following year - adding the Open and PGA crowns in 2014.
Here's a rundown on the glittering career of the 35-year-old, five-time Ryder Cup winner, who was also a strong critic of the rival Saudi-backed LIV tour:
- 2007 - topped the world amateur rankings aged 17.
Turned professional in September.
Became the youngest Affiliate Member in the history of The European Tour to earn a tour card.
- 2009 - reached the world top 50.
- 2010 - won his first PGA Tour title via the Quail Hollow Championship.
Made a winning Ryder Cup debut.
Became the youngest player to reach $10m earnings on the PGA Tour.
- 2011 - Famously blew a four-stroke lead on the final day of the Masters in May.
But won his first major the following month - the US Open.
Named Sports Person of the year by RTE - Ireland's main broadcaster.
- 2012 - lifted the PGA Championship.
Named PGA Tour player of the year and picked up more Ryder Cup glory.
- 2013 - signed a huge sponsorship deal with Nike.
- 2014 - his best year to date, majors wise.
Won the Open at Royal Liverpool.
Then clinched back-to-back PGA crowns, beating Phil Mickelson by one stroke.
Named RTE Sports Person of the year for a second time.
Again helped Europe win the Ryder Cup.
- 2016 - Ended the season winning the Tour championship, putting him top of the FedEx Cup and landing him the $10m bonus pool.
Suffered Ryder Cup defeat.
- 2017 - failed to win all year.
But gained top 10 finishes at the Masters, The Open and 3 WGC events.
And with Nike largely withdrawing from the golf market, he landed an £80m endorsement deal with TaylorMade.
- 2018 - More Ryder Cup joy.
- 2020 Overtook Brooks Koepka to become World No1
- 2021 - A Ryder Cup loser.
- 2022 - runners-up at the Masters and finished third at the Open.
- 2023 - helped Europe thrash the USA 16.5-11.5 in the Ryder Cup.
- 2024 - struggled early in the season, finishing just joint-22nd in the Masters.
But then won two tournaments - the Zurich Classic for his 25th PGA title and the Wells Fargo Championship.