Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll, just before the U.S. Open, decided to set aside their divorce plans, reconciling their relationship
Rory McIlroy and his wife, Erica Stoll, have shelved their plans for divorce in a sensational U-turn.
Despite filing for divorce last month, on the eve of the PGA Championship, McIlroy and Stoll have had a change of heart. According to the Guardian, the couple have decided to give their relationship another go. The decision comes after seven years of marriage, after first meeting each other in 2012.
Speaking after the dramatic U-turn, McIlroy said: “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.”
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McIlroy and Stoll tied the knot in 2017 and share a daughter named Poppy, who is three years old. Following her husband’s submission of legal documents, Stoll, aged 36, had the customary 20-day period in Florida to provide her response. However, as reported by the Daily Mail, Stoll failed to meet this deadline, which expired on Sunday.
The recent reconciliation marks a significant shift in McIlroy and Stoll’s relationship. It was even previously reported that Stoll felt lonely in her relationship, which was aligned with the reason McIlory previously ended a relationship with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki.
Rumours of new romantic interests, particularly involving CBS Sports golf reporter Amanda Balionis, also came into play. Balionis, who notably stopped wearing her wedding ring around the same time McIlroy announced his divorce, sparked speculation about her friendly rapport with the golfer during interviews.
The pair sent the internet wild when they demonstrated strong chemistry in a post-round interview recently, even sharing a hug behind the cameras. But ultimately the speculation led to nothing.
At the time of the initial announcement, McIlroy’s team put out a statement, saying: “Rory’s desire is to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible. He won’t be making any further comment.” Now, on the eve of another golf championship, McIlroy will be forced to deal with questions away from the course as the Ulsterman chases an elusive fifth major.
McIlroy’s most recent performance in the midst of relationship turmoil saw him secure a tied-15th place at the Memorial Tournament that took place June 6-9. The Irish golfer’s upcoming tee time is at 1:14 p.m. ET on June 13 for the first round of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina