Rory McIlroy Tears Up Thanking Formerly-Estranged Wife After DP World Tour Win: ‘Been Through a Lot This Year’

Mar. 15, 2025

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with his Wife, Erica Stoll and Daughter, Poppy McIlroy alongside the DP World Tour Championship trophy.Photo:Richard Heathcote/Getty

Richard Heathcote/Getty

Rory McIlroy became emotional speaking about his wifeErica Stolland daughterPoppyafter his win at the DP World Tour Championship on Sunday, Nov. 17 in Dubai.The 35-year-old golfer — whocalled off his split from Stoll in Juneafter initiallyfiling for divorceon May 13 — spoke to Sky Sports after his victory at Jumeirah Golf Estates.McIlroy reportedly battled back tears while telling the outlet that the support from his wife of seven years “means a lot” to him. “I’ve been through a lot this year professionally, personally,” McIlroy said, describing his championship win as a “fitting end to 2024” during the interview withSky Sports.“It’s been quite the year, but I’m super happy with where I am in my career and in my life, and I feel like everything’s worked out the way it was supposed to,” continued McIlroy, who told the outlet he felt “a lot of self-inflicted pressure” on the golf course this year.Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with his Wife, Erica Stoll and daughter, Poppy McIlroy alongside the DP World Tour Championship trophy.Pedro Salado/Getty"I love to end the year on a positive note. I was maybe feeling a little more pressure than I should have," he said.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Stoll was on the side with their four-year-old daughter as McIlroy cemented his victory on Sunday. “Their support means the world to me,” McIlroy told reporters, perCNN.“To be able to show Poppy what happened today and maybe some of the reasons why I’m not around all of the time because I’m working or practicing…it’s incredible that they were here with me this week and I’m excited to go celebrate with them.“PEOPLE confirmed on May 13 that McIlroy’s attorney filed to dissolve the golfer’s seven-year marriage with Stoll.But on June 11, a notice of voluntary dismissal was filed on behalf of McIlroy in Palm Beach County Court, PEOPLE reported at the time.Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll with their daughter, Poppy, at the Par 3 contest prior to the 2023 Masters Tournament.Andrew Redington/GettySpeaking toThe Guardianfollowing the file to dismiss the divorce, McIlroy said, “There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumor is a fool’s game.“McIlroy explained that he and Stoll “realized that our best future was as a family together” after calling off the divorce. “Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning,” he added.

Rory McIlroy became emotional speaking about his wifeErica Stolland daughterPoppyafter his win at the DP World Tour Championship on Sunday, Nov. 17 in Dubai.

The 35-year-old golfer — whocalled off his split from Stoll in Juneafter initiallyfiling for divorceon May 13 — spoke to Sky Sports after his victory at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

McIlroy reportedly battled back tears while telling the outlet that the support from his wife of seven years “means a lot” to him. “I’ve been through a lot this year professionally, personally,” McIlroy said, describing his championship win as a “fitting end to 2024” during the interview withSky Sports.

“It’s been quite the year, but I’m super happy with where I am in my career and in my life, and I feel like everything’s worked out the way it was supposed to,” continued McIlroy, who told the outlet he felt “a lot of self-inflicted pressure” on the golf course this year.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with his Wife, Erica Stoll and daughter, Poppy McIlroy alongside the DP World Tour Championship trophy.Pedro Salado/Getty

Pedro Salado/Getty

“I love to end the year on a positive note. I was maybe feeling a little more pressure than I should have,” he said.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Stoll was on the side with their four-year-old daughter as McIlroy cemented his victory on Sunday. “Their support means the world to me,” McIlroy told reporters, perCNN.

“To be able to show Poppy what happened today and maybe some of the reasons why I’m not around all of the time because I’m working or practicing…it’s incredible that they were here with me this week and I’m excited to go celebrate with them.”

PEOPLE confirmed on May 13 that McIlroy’s attorney filed to dissolve the golfer’s seven-year marriage with Stoll.

But on June 11, a notice of voluntary dismissal was filed on behalf of McIlroy in Palm Beach County Court, PEOPLE reported at the time.

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll with their daughter, Poppy, at the Par 3 contest prior to the 2023 Masters Tournament.Andrew Redington/Getty

Andrew Redington/Getty

Speaking toThe Guardianfollowing the file to dismiss the divorce, McIlroy said, “There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumor is a fool’s game.”

McIlroy explained that he and Stoll “realized that our best future was as a family together” after calling off the divorce. “Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning,” he added.

source: people.com