Rory McIlroy returns to Augusta National Golf Club this week to defend his Masters title. The 36-year-old golfer claimed the Green Jacket last year, achieving the career Grand Slam amid professional highs and personal challenges.
Marriage Journey with Erica Stoll
McIlroy’s nine-year marriage to Erica Stoll has faced turbulence. They first connected in 2011 when Stoll worked at the PGA Tour. In 2012, during the Ryder Cup, she arranged a police escort for him after his alarm failed. The pair built a friendship over years; McIlroy ended his engagement to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki in 2014 and went public with Stoll the next year. They wed in April 2017 and welcomed daughter Poppy Kenney McIlroy in 2020.
Divorce Filing and Swift Reconciliation
In May 2024, McIlroy filed for divorce, stating the marriage was “irretrievably broken.” He withdrew the petition just one month later. McIlroy explained in a statement: “There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumour is a fool’s game. Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
New Chapter in the UK
The couple relocated from Florida, where they lived since 2017, to a renovated mansion on the Wentworth estate in Surrey. Stoll’s long-held desire for a UK home came to fruition after renovations finished in October 2025.
Stoll’s Support at Key Victories
Stoll maintains a low profile but supported McIlroy at last year’s Masters and Ryder Cup wins. After defeating Justin Rose in a playoff at the Masters, cameras caught her embracing Kate Rose, wife of the runner-up.
Tight-Knit Inner Circle
McIlroy keeps a small group of trusted friends, including golfer Shane Lowry, a former Florida neighbor, and his caddie and best friend, Harry Diamond.
