Rory McIlroy‘s marriage appears to be on the mend after this summer’s divorce fears, as the golfer was filmed kissing his wife Erica Stoll following another heartbreaking defeat over the weekend.
McIlroy, who narrowly missed out on the BMW PGA Championship title after a thrilling play-off defeat against Billy Horschel at Wentworth on Sunday, had filed for a divorce from his wife Erica in May before dramatically scrapping the plan a month later, as revealed exclusively by the Daily Mail.
As the Northern Irishman swallowed his bitterly disappointing runner-up finish at the weekend, McIlroy was filmed embracing his four-year-old daughter Poppy before sharing a kiss with Erica.
The video, posted to social media by DP World Tour’s X account, was accompanied by the caption: ‘Losing is hard. Family makes it easier.’
Evidence that their marriage now appears to be back on track delighted fans this weekend, given that it was on the rocks earlier this year.
Rory McIlroy ‘s marriage appears to be on the mend as the golfer was filmed kissing his wife Erica Stoll following another heartbreaking defeat at the BMW PGA Championships on Sunday
McIlroy called off his split from wife Erica back in June just a month after filing for a divorce
In the video posted to X, McIlroy is also seen hugging his four-year-old daughter Poppy
One fan posted: ‘Chin up son, family more important! Not even on his game and pushes it right to the end. Such a talent.’
Another added: ‘Great to see.’
‘That’s all that really matters, well played Rory,’ a third said.
A fourth fan wrote: ‘Family is everything Rory and your beautiful daughter and wife are with you every step of the way.’
The couple’s stunning decision to call off the divorce came less than a month after Erica, 36, was served papers at the couple’s marital home in Jupiter, Florida, informing her that McIlroy wanted out of their marriage.
The May 13 petition gave Erica 20 days to file a counterclaim or risk having the court grant the divorce by default.
McIlroy addressed the speculation surrounding his relationship status in a statement to The Guardian, two days before the opening round of this summer’s US Open.
‘There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumor is a fool’s game,’ McIlroy said.
‘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.’
Billy Horschel (right) beat McIlroy (left) in a three-man play-off at Wentworth this weekend
McIlroy, whose wait for a major title rumbles on, notably came up short earlier this year at the US Open, before also being beaten by a shot by Rasmus Hojgaard at the Irish Open last week
His former agent Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler (right) labelled his life away from golf as ‘messy’
McIlroy hasn’t won a major tournament since winning his four career titles between 2011 and 2014, despite coming close on multiple occasions.
The golfer’s former agent Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler believes McIlroy’s ‘messy’ life has been contributing to his major tournament slump.
‘The top, top players obviously play better more often, and then the really top players take their chances,’ he told talkSPORT in July. ‘That’s all that’s happened with Rory. Rory’s played fantastically for ten years, he just doesn’t take any chances.
‘Looking from the outside, and I haven’t seen Rory for a couple of years, but to me it looks like his life is messy. You know what it’s like as a sportsman, you have to have total focus and keep your mind on what you’re doing.’
