Rory McIlroy has opened up about the challenges of juggling his professional golf career with family life. In a candid moment before the PGA Championship last year, he revealed that he and his wife Erica Stoll were considering divorce.
However, they later reconciled and called off the proceedings. Now, nearly a year after the initial shock, a teaser for Netflix’s ‘Full Swing’ suggests that McIlroy’s personal struggles will be part of the storyline. On the show, he confesses: “I’ve struggled with trying to be the best golfer, the best husband, the best dad.
The heartfelt admission from McIlroy, who first shared the news of their marital issues in May 2024, is featured in the documentary series. The trailer also shows journalists reacting to the breaking news and a scene where McIlroy, aware of being filmed by Netflix, says on the phone: “The Netflix cameras are following me right now” before turning away.
One month after the news broke of their divorce, McIlroy confirmed that he and Stoll would remain together. He expressed at the time: “There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumor is a fool’s game.
“Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.” In the wake of the speculation, McIlroy endured one of his more devastating losses.
At the U.S. Open held at Pinehurst, Rory seemed on track for his fifth major title, up two shots with only five holes remaining. However, a disappointing finish where he bogeyed three of the last four holes saw Bryson DeChambeau snatch the title from him.
Rory McIlroy and wife Erica Stoll ( Image: Getty Images)
Following this, McIlroy took some time off, stepping back to refresh before coming back to compete in the Genesis Scottish Open in July and at The Open Championship.
This season got off to the best possible start for the Northern Irishman as he took home the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am title earlier this month. It was his 27th PGA Tour title win and first since May last year.
To win at one of the cathedrals of golf is really, really cool. I knew today was going to be tough and exciting, there were so many guys around the lead,” McIlroy shared with Amanda Balionis from CBS Sports after the event.
“With it being Pebble Beach, I had to put that to the back of my mind and just go out there and try to shoot a score, which I was able to. But yeah, really cool to have that walk up 18, sort of take it all in.”
