Rory McIlroy and wife Erica Stoll file for divorce
DIVORCE: Rory and Erica McIlroy are set to end their marriage.
Rory McIlroy and his wife Erica Stoll have filed for divorce with Florida court documents saying "the marriage between the parties is irretrievably broken".
Earlier, a communications team representing the 35 year-old golfer confirmed the divorce had been filed and stressed "Rory's desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible".
"He will not be making any further comment," it added.
McIlroy, from Holywood, Co Down, married Ms Stoll at a lavish ceremony in Ashford Castle in Cong, Co Mayo in 2017 attended by over 200 guests. The couple have a daughter, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy, who was born in September 2020.
The court documents, lodged in Palm Beach County by the golfer on Monday, outline how they will manage shared custody of the little girl and also detail how they had a prenuptial agreement entered into in March 2017.
The couple met at the Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club in 2012, where Ms Stoll was working for the PGA.
They began dating in 2014 and Mr McIlroy proposed marriage in 2015. Erica was working for the PGA of America at the Ryder Cup and McIlroy credited her with helping him get a police escort to the course after misreading his tee time for the Sunday singles.
McIlroy made it to the course with just minutes to spare and went on to beat Keegan Bradley as Europe pulled off the 'Miracle at Medinah' by recovering from 10-6 behind to retain the trophy.
Three months before his win at Valhalla in 2014, McIlroy broke off his engagement to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki just days after sending out wedding invitations.
McIlroy announced the news the day before the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, saying in a statement that he was not ready for marriage.
Although he added he would not make any further comment, he did go on to answer questions at his scheduled pre-tournament press conference.
Looking drained and emotional, McIlroy said: "Obviously (it's) quite a difficult time for Caroline and myself and I think the statement really said it all this morning.
"It was mutual and amicable and we both thought it was the best for both of us. Time to move on and I think I've said all that I need to say."
McIlroy, the world number two is scheduled to speak to the media at 6pm on Wednesday at Valhalla as he prepares for the second men's major of the year, the US PGA championship, which starts on Thursday.
