Global golf star Rory McIlroy, currently ranked second in the world, has formally requested a divorce from his spouse, Erica Stoll. The divorce application was lodged by Mr McIlroy in the State Court of Palm Beach County, Florida, only days prior to the US PGA Championship in Valhalla, Kentucky, according to court documents.
The 35-year-old golfer, originally from Holywood, County Down, married Erica Stoll in a lavish ceremony held in Ashford Castle, Cong, County Mayo back in 2017. The couple share a daughter, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy, born in 2020, and reside in Jupiter, Florida.
Mr McIlroy and Ms Stoll first met during the Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club in 2012 where Ms Stoll was employed by the PGA. They initiated their romantic relationship in 2014, and a marriage proposal was made by Mr McIlroy the following year.
Before his marriage to Ms Stoll, Mr McIlroy had been betrothed to Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, with whom he had a relationship from 2011 to 2014. Mr McIlroy called off their engagement in May 2014.
Mr McIlroy is expected to address the press on Wednesday afternoon at Valhalla, where he last celebrated a major win in 2014.
Mr McIlroy’s representative put out a statement which stated: “Confirmation was provided by Rory McIlroy’s PR team today that a divorce application has been lodged. It was reiterated that Rory hopes for the process to be conducted in a dignified and amicable manner. He will abstain from making any further comments.” – Further information from PA.