Rory McIlroy earned a spot in Masters history on Sunday, then shared the moment with wife Erica Stoll.
McIlroy came into the weekend aiming to become the first player to win the Masters in back-to-back years since Tiger Woods in 2001 and 2002, and made relatively easy work of it. McIlroy took a six-shot lead into the weekend, the latest ever in Masters history after 36 holes, and continued to cruise during the weekend after turning back a strong surge from Cameron Young.
After wrapping up his victory on Sunday, McIlroy and Stoll shared a moment that put to rest some of the relationship drama they suffered just two years ago.
Rory McIlroy Celebrated Win With Erica Stoll
After hugging his caddy and shaking hands with Young, McIlroy immediately found Stoll to celebrate the win. He picked up daughter Poppy then gestured toward his wife, sharing a hug and kiss.
McIlroy was already getting emotional before his final short putt to close out the win, crouching low to the ground and putting his head down before looking toward his family.
Stoll has been a supportive force for McIlroy, cheering him on at August during last year’s win and celebrating his big moment again this year. But the couple has had their share of difficulties, including plans to divorce that were called off in 2024.
As USA Today’s For the Win noted, McIlroy noted that the couple worked out their differences and decided to stay together.
“Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together,” McIlroy said in a statement. “Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
McIlroy was seen with his wife often during his dominant run through the Masters this year, when he became just the fourth golfer in the last four decades to hold the lead after every round.
The Northern Irish golfer said earlier in the week that finally breaking through to win the Masters last year made him feel more comfortable. He also had an unusual preparation, skipping other tournaments and making day trips to Augusta to practice on the course in the weeks leading up to the Masters.
Rory McIlroy Shared Masters Moment With Daughter as Well
McIlroy has found strong support from his family, both from his wife and Poppy. The golfer gushed about his daughter after she was born in 2020.
“There’s nothing like it in the world,” Rory told Golfweek after her birth in August 2020. “It’s probably the best part of being a human being, and I’m glad that I got to experience it.”
McIlroy and Stoll have been very private away from the golf course, waiting months to announce the pregnancy.
“We’re about to be parents very soon, so we’re obviously super excited. Yeah, we’ve been sharing the news with friends and family, obviously, but I didn’t think it was something that I really particularly needed to share out here,” McIlroy said, per Golfweek. “It’s a private matter, but we’re really excited and can’t wait for her to get here.”
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