Rory McIlroy put his Open Championship woes behind him by immediately flying to Portugal to spend time with wife Erica Stoll. McIlroy’s private life has been closely monitored since he announced the pair’s divorce, only to sensationally reverse the decision before the U.S. Open.
On Thursday, McIlroy struggled as he shot a dismal 78 to derail his hopes of winning a first major in a decade. He failed to improve in his second round, and shot five-over through five holes to further cement his fate en route to a 75 that left him 11-over – and outside the cut line.
Last week, McIlroy impressed at the Scottish Open as he tied for fourth following a three-week break. The Northern Irishman was optimistic about his form, but the severe weather at Royal Troon caught him and much of the field off guard.
Upon missing the cut, McIlroy immediately went to hang out with wife Stoll. The pair jetted to Portugal after Stoll was noticeably absent from the Open on Friday.
The four-time major champion showed off his T-shirt tan while going for a dip in the sea, while his American wife donned a beige sun hat with a matching bag and denim shorts and had her wedding ring on display.
McIlroy and Stoll own a home together in Portugal, and often go there on family holidays. The couple share a three-year-old daughter, Poppy, together.
On the eve of the U.S. Open last month, reports emerged suggesting McIlroy had ‘voluntarily dismissed’ his petition to separate from Stoll. It was a dramatic change of events for the 35-year-old’s personal life given the relationship with his wife appeared broken beyond repair after filing for divorce one month prior.
Within 24 hours of winning the Wells Fargo Championship on May 12, McIlroy had filed for divorce after claiming his marriage to Stoll was ‘Irretrievably broken’. But the remarkable development means the pair moved on and attempted to leave their troubles behind them.
Once Bryson DeChambeau won at Pinehurst No. 2, a despondent McIlroy pulled out of several tournaments to spend time with his family, with his private life going through such a turbulent time. During his temporary rift with wife Stoll, rumours spread about McIlroy’s personal life but he dismissed all speculation.
He told The Guardian: “There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumour is a fool’s game.
“Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
