Rory McIlroy has opened up on a turbulent year in his private life (Image: Netflix)
has expressed relief and optimism for the future, saying “everything has worked out for the best”, and he “can’t wait for what lies ahead” after discussing his near-divorce publicly for the first time.
The golf superstar had shocked fans in May 2024 by announcing that he and his wife, Erica Stoll, were heading for a divorce after seven years together, citing an “irretrievably broken” relationship in court documents.
This revelation came just before the PGA Championship at Valhalla, overshadowing the event’s lead-up.
However, the narrative took a positive turn when, a month later, McIlroy revealed that he and Stoll, who is the mother of his four year old daughter Poppy, had patched things up and called off the divorce.
Aside from a short statement to confirm this, McIlroy had remained silent on the matter until the third series of ‘s ‘Full Swing’ was released on Tuesday.
In the documentary, McIlroy shared: “There’s parts of my life I like to keep as private as possible. Unfortunately, in this line of work, that isn’t always possible. I have always been protective of my loved ones from people who have ill intentions.
“I think it was a wake-up call for me to say: ‘Let’s just focus on golf for a little bit.’ I have been on tour for 17, 18 years. I like when the attention is on my golf. Sometimes that is impossible.
“Thankfully, everything has worked out for the best and we’re happy and moving forward and can’t wait for what lies ahead.”
McIlroy and Stoll’s love story, which started all the way back at the 2012 Ryder Cup in Medinah where she was a PGA of America employee, has come a long way.
Although McIlroy was involved with tennis sensation Caroline Wozniacki during that time, following their split in 2014, his heart found its way to Stoll and by late 2015, the couple were engaged.
Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll first met in 2012 at the Ryder Cup. (Image: Getty Images)
Fast forward to 2017, the pair tied the knot amidst grandeur at Ashford Castle in Ireland, with stars like Stevie Wonder and Ed Sheeran serenading the guests.
McIlroy’s roller-coaster ride through the 2024 season is front and centre in the fresh instalments of ‘Full Swing’.
The series captures his thrilling victories at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans and the Wells Fargo Championship, contrasting with the gut-wrenching episode at the U.S. Open that elongated his prolonged quest for a fifth major championship triumph.
Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll called off their divorce (Image: Getty/Netflix)
The captivating documentary not only delves into the professional but also the personal ebbs and flows of McIlroy’s life.
In a notably candid moment, he divulges the complexities of being on top of his game while also fulfilling his roles as a husband and father: “Sometimes I’ve struggled with the balance of trying to be the best golfer, trying to be the best husband or the best dad.
“Sometimes I get overwhelmed and it can be a little too much for me.”