Golfer Rory McIlroy has filed for divorce after seven years of marriage, according to court records in Palm Beach County, Florida. The filing, which comes just ahead of the PGA Championship, marks a surprising turn in McIlroy's personal life.
McIlroy and his wife, Erica Stoll, met during the Ryder Cup in 2012, began dating two years later, and married in 2017. They have one daughter, Poppy, born in September 2020. TMZ first reported the divorce filing, which was made on Monday. Details from the petition for dissolution of marriage were not immediately available.
McIlroy's attorney, Thomas Sasser, previously represented Tiger Woods in his 2010 divorce. McIlroy's communications team confirmed the filing, emphasizing McIlroy's desire for a respectful and amicable process. "There will be no further comment," said McIlroy's manager, Sean O'Flaherty.
The golfer arrived at Valhalla on Tuesday, where he last won a major championship in 2014. His pre-tournament news conference is scheduled for Wednesday. McIlroy has not won a major in the past ten years.
McIlroy and Stoll's storybook meeting occurred in 2012 when Stoll, then working for the PGA of America, arranged a police escort for McIlroy, who nearly missed his Ryder Cup match due to a time zone mix-up. McIlroy was dating tennis star Caroline Wozniacki at the time, but the couple ended their engagement a year later. McIlroy and Stoll began dating in 2014 and got engaged in 2015.
The divorce filing came a day after McIlroy's victory at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking his second consecutive PGA Tour win and the 26th of his career. When asked about his post-victory plans, McIlroy mentioned returning home to reset before heading to Louisville.
The filing coincides with ongoing turmoil in the golf world due to the launch of Saudi-funded LIV Golf. McIlroy has been a vocal critic of LIV but has recently advocated for reunification within the sport. After resigning from the PGA Tour board last November, McIlroy was involved in plans to rejoin the board, which faced resistance. Instead, he was appointed to a committee negotiating with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, which is considering becoming a minority investor in the tour.


Trump’s U.S. Open Visit Delays Final, Fans Face Long Security Lines
Why Manchester City offered Erling Haaland the longest contract in Premier League history
Trump's Transgender Sports Ban Faces Enforcement Challenges
Trump Draws Cheers at Ryder Cup as U.S. Trails Europe After Opening Day
Native American Groups Slam Trump’s Call to Restore Redskins Name
Trump Plans UFC Event at White House for America’s 250th Anniversary
U.S. Plans $115 Million Counter-Drone Investment to Secure FIFA World Cup and Major National Events
Trump Threatens Stadium Deal Over Washington Commanders Name
How did sport become so popular? The ancient history of a modern obsession
Trump Set to Announce Washington D.C. as Host of 2027 NFL Draft
LA28 Confirms Olympic Athletes Exempt from Trump’s Travel Ban
Champions League final 2025: a battle for glory against a backdrop of money and fashion
Australia’s major sports codes are considered not-for-profits – is it time for them to pay up?
Los Angeles Mayor Says White House Must Reassure Fans Ahead of FIFA World Cup
Trump Booed at Club World Cup Final, Praises Pele as Soccer’s GOAT
‘The geezer game’ – a nearly 50-year-old pickup basketball game – reveals its secrets to longevity 



