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The Players Champion Rory McIlroy Announces Marriage Update

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Mar 17, 2025 2:54 PM ET

Rory McIlroy has provided a public update on his marriage, which was on the rocks last year.

In May 2024, McIlroy filed for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll after seven years of marriage, claiming in court documents that the relationship was "irretrievably broken." However, roughly one month later, the paperwork was withdrawn.

McIlroy has never publicly addressed the situation in-depth until the latest season of Netflix's Full Swing documentary series, which was released in late February.

In one episode, McIlroy discussed the topic and offered an update on his marriage.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 09: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland celebrates with the trophy alongside his wife Erica and daughter Poppy after winning during the final round of the 2021 Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club on May 09, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

“There’s parts of my life I like to keep as private as possible," McIlroy said, via The Mirror. "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.”

McIlroy would go on to add that "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 were married in April 2017. The couple has one child together, a daughter named Poppy Kennedy, born in September 2020.

PINEHURST, NORTH CAROLINA - JUNE 16: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland lines up a putt on the 14th green during the final round of the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort on June 16, 2024 in Pinehurst, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

On the course, McIlroy is off to a good start to 2025. He won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am by two strokes over Shane Lowry last month and defeated J.J. Spaun in a playoff Monday to capture The Players Championship.

The 35-year-old is still trying to snap his major tournament losing streak, which dates back to the 2014 PGA Championship.

McIlroy has finished second at each of the last two U.S. Opens, including a brutal collapse down the stretch against Bryson DeChambeau last year.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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