Rory McIlroy Says Called-Off Divorce from Wife Erica Stoll Was a 'Wake-Up Call'

Mar. 15, 2025

Rory McIlroy and wife Erica at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, Italy.Photo:Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty

Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty

Rory McIlroyis reflecting on his called-off divorce from wifeErica Stoll.

On the third season of the Netflix seriesFull Swing,McIlroy, 35, opened up about the former split from Stoll, 37, and called the divorce filing in April 2024 his “wake-up call.”

“There’s parts of my life that I like to keep as private as possible," the golfer, who shares 4-year-oldPoppy Kennedy McIlroywith Stoll, said.

The Irish golfer continued, “Unfortunately, in this line of work, that isn’t always possible.”

McIlroy said he has tried to be protective of his loved ones from “people that have ill intentions.”

“I think it was a wake-up call for me to say, ‘Let’s just focus on the golf for a little bit,' " McIlroy said.

Rory McIlroy and Erica McIlroy at the 2018 Ryder Cup Gala.Ross Kinnaird/Getty

Ross Kinnaird/Getty

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.

McIlroyfiled for divorceon May 13, 2024, PEOPLE confirmed at the time.  Days later, Stoll was spotted outwithout her engagement ring, while the golfer was photographed without his wedding ring during practice.

Just one month after the filing, McIlroy announced that he and Stoll haddecided to stay together.

McIlroy explained the decision in an interview withThe Guardianon the same day as his attorney’s filing. “There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate,” he said. “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.”

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll with their daughter, Poppy, at the 2021 Wells Fargo Championship.Jared C. Tilton/Getty

Jared C. Tilton/Getty

McIlroy said it’s “incredible” to be able to show his daughter “some of the reasons why I’m not around all of the time.”

He continued, “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.”

source: people.com