**Erica Stoll Shares Emotional Insight into Rory McIlroy’s PGA Championship Withdrawal**
In a heart-wrenching revelation, Erica Stoll, wife of golf superstar Rory McIlroy, opened up about the devastating family circumstances that prompted the Northern Irishman’s unexpected withdrawal from the 2025 PGA Championship. The news, which sent shockwaves through the golfing world, has cast a shadow over McIlroy’s otherwise stellar season, following his historic Masters victory earlier this year.
McIlroy, a five-time major champion and the only European to complete a modern career Grand Slam, was considered a top contender at Quail Hollow, a course where he has secured four previous victories. However, just days before the tournament, the 35-year-old announced his decision to step back, citing personal reasons. Until now, the specifics remained private, but Stoll’s emotional statement has shed light on the family’s struggles.
In an exclusive interview, Stoll, visibly moved, shared that the couple faced an unforeseen family crisis that demanded McIlroy’s full attention. “Rory’s always been there for us, and this time, he needed to be home,” she said, her voice breaking. While she refrained from disclosing precise details out of respect for their privacy, sources close to the family suggest the issue involves a close relative’s serious health concerns. The couple, who share a four-year-old daughter, Poppy, prioritized family over professional commitments, a decision Stoll described as “heartbreaking but necessary.”
The announcement comes after a tumultuous year for McIlroy and Stoll, who briefly filed for divorce in May 2024 before reconciling a month later. Their renewed commitment to each other and their family has been evident, with Stoll and Poppy frequently supporting McIlroy at tournaments, including his emotional Masters win in April 2025. That victory, where he clinched the Green Jacket in a playoff against Justin Rose, marked the end of an 11-year major drought and completed his career Grand Slam. Fans and analysts alike expected McIlroy to carry that momentum into the PGA Championship, making his withdrawal all the more shocking.
Stoll emphasized McIlroy’s resilience, noting, “He’s strong, but he’s human. Family comes first, always.” She expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and the golfing community, adding, “We feel the love, and it means so much during this difficult time.” McIlroy, who has yet to comment publicly, is reportedly focusing on his family while planning a return for the upcoming U.S. Open at Oakmont in June.
The golf world has rallied around McIlroy, with peers like Shane Lowry and Justin Thomas offering words of encouragement. “Rory’s a champion on and off the course,” Lowry said. “We’re all behind him.” As McIlroy navigates this challenging period, fans await his return, hopeful that the golfer’s trademark optimism and talent will shine again soon.
For now, Stoll’s poignant words remind us of the human side of sports stardom, where even the greatest athletes face moments that test their strength beyond the fairways.
