Rory McIlroy finally captured the elusive green jacket, completing his career Grand Slam in style. But while the win was historic, viewers couldn’t help but find flaws in his post-victory speech. McIlroy thanked his parents at length, his “close-knit village,” which included his friend and caddie, Harry Diamond, and his 4-year-old daughter, Poppy. Plenty of people to thank for, but his wife, Erica Stoll, wasn’t one of them. While it could have been an honest mistake, the fact that McIlroy landed in Northern Ireland without Stoll by his side once again led to speculations over their relationship. What fanned the flames was the recent history of the couple.
Last May, McIlroy filed for divorce after seven years of marriage. However, less than a month later, on June 11, McIlroy voluntarily dismissed the divorce petition, indicating a reconciliation between the couple. While the recent sequence of events prompted quiet conversation about the current state of their relationship, McIlroy’s comments ahead of the Zurich Classic have cleared the air. Reflecting on the past week and a half during the 2025 Zurich Classic presser, McIlroy said,
“It’s been an amazing few days after, and to be able to reflect on it and everything that happened and the magnitude of everything. I think the big thing for me is just how the whole journey sort of resonated with people and the people that have reached out to me.
I went to — well, we first went to London with Erica and Poppy to see our new home that we’re building there last week, and then we made the trip over to Belfast to see my mom and dad and a few other people that are important to me over there. Yeah, just to be with them, to be with Erica and Poppy and my mom and dad and to see Michael Bannon, my lifelong coach, and spend a bit more time with Harry and his wife and just celebrate with the people that have been a part of this whole thing for my entire career, my entire life was absolutely amazing,” the golfer said.
Erica was not seen aboard the private jet that took her husband and daughter to the UK last Friday, seemingly staying in the US. However, Stoll was seen with McIlroy and their daughter, Poppy, after they returned to Florida on Sunday. Since McIlroy name-dropped a new home in the UK, what does it mean for the future of the couple in the US?
For starters, reports suggest that Stoll has grown tired of life at their $22 million Florida estate and is considering a change of scenery. However, Mirror U.S. Sports notes that talk of the family relocating to Britain is premature. A source stated, “It’s far too early to say Rory and Erica are moving to the UK. Their daughter Poppy is well settled, and Rory remains committed to the PGA Tour in the U.S.”
Meanwhile, despite battling a cold, McIlroy’s enthusiasm for the upcoming Zurich Classic is evident.
He’s looking forward to teaming up with Shane Lowry once again and defending their title. “I’m excited and I’m happy to be here with my man, and we’re looking forward to a great week and trying to defend,” McIlroy said, exuding confidence and camaraderie with his partner. His participation in the Zurich Classic reiterates his commitment to the PGA Tour following rumors of him making a move to LIV Golf.
Speaking to Golf Channel on April 15, he said that he will be with the PGA Tour “for the rest of my career” and that he has “never contemplated going to LIV.” With his recent win still fresh in his mind, McIlroy is poised to take on the challenge ahead on the Tour.
Rory McIlroy battles cold as he prepares for Zurich Classic
Rory McIlroy, the newly-crowned Masters champion, mentioned that he is feeling “under the weather” as he gets ready to team up with Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a unique team format tournament that promises excitement. McIlroy admitted that he “could barely get out of bed” on Monday morning after returning to his Florida home, struggling with a cold.
Despite this setback, he’s looking forward to partnering with Lowry, saying, “I’m excited and I’m happy to be here with my man, and we’re looking forward to a great week and trying to defend.” McIlroy’s celebrations after winning the Masters have taken a toll on his body, but he’s determined to shake off the illness and perform well at the tournament.
