Rory McIlroy and his wife Erica Stoll presented a united family front at the Irish Open, celebrating his victory with their daughter Poppy in a display of harmony that contrasts with past tensions. McIlroy won his second Irish Open title at The K Club on Sunday, defeating Joakim Lagergren of Sweden, marking his first win since the Masters in April. The emotional post-match moment was captured in a viral video, showing Stoll bringing Poppy to McIlroy, who embraced them both and shared a kiss with his wife, followed by cheerful family photos with the trophy.
This public affection comes six months after a notably subdued interaction at the Masters, where Stoll’s response to McIlroy’s hug was described by body language experts as polite but tempered, while McIlroy appeared overwhelmed. The tension at that time was partly attributed to rumors involving CBS sports reporter Amanda Balionis, who interviewed McIlroy after his Masters win and posted a complimentary photo, fueling speculation about a romantic link. McIlroy was briefly romantically linked to Balionis shortly after filing for divorce from Stoll in May 2024.
In a surprising turn, McIlroy called off the divorce in June 2024, stating in a public announcement that they had resolved their differences and chosen to remain together as a family. Insider reports suggested that Stoll had felt lonely during McIlroy’s frequent golf tournaments, focusing on raising their daughter, which may have contributed to the marital strain. The reconciliation efforts have been under public scrutiny, including criticism when McIlroy failed to acknowledge Stoll in his Masters victory speech.
The couple’s history provides context: they met in 2012 during the Ryder Cup, where Stoll worked as a PGA transport official, and began dating in 2014 after McIlroy ended his engagement to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. They married in 2017 at Ashford Castle in Ireland. The recent united front at the Irish Open signals a positive step in their relationship, potentially moving past rumors and strengthening their family bond. As McIlroy continues his golf career, this display of unity may help improve their public image and provide stability for his professional endeavors.