Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll put on a united front with daughter Poppy at the Masters after divorce U-turn

By DANIEL MATTHEWS

Rory McIlroy was joined by his wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy as he took part in the traditional par-three curtain raiser on the eve of the Masters.

The Northern Irishman is chasing a first major victory in 11 years when he takes on Augusta National this week.

Last year, McIlroy’s bid for a fifth major was dominated by turbulence in his private life.

He married Stoll, 37, in 2017 but the 35-year-old filed for divorce a day before arriving for the 2024 PGA Championship. 

The couple then called off the separation days before the US Open at Pinehurst.

‘There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate,’ McIlroy said at the time. 

Rory McIlroy was joined by his wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy for the Par-3 competition

The couple, who called off their divorce last year, share a laugh during Wednesday’s round

The Northern Irishman, one of the favorites for the Masters, sits alongside his young daughter

McIlroy holds the flag as Poppy walks holding his putter during the annual Par-3 competition

‘Responding to each rumor is a fool’s game. Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.’ 

On Wednesday, Stoll acted as caddie for McIlroy, who was seen wearing his wedding ring as he prepared for the year’s first major. 

The couple were joined by four-year-old Poppy for the Par-3 competition at Augusta, which is held the day before the opening round of the Masters.

McIlroy is among the favorites after winning last month’s Players Championship, when he celebrated victory alongside his young family.

Stoll waited for the World No 2 next to the final green at TPC Sawgrass and, after sealing victory, McIlroy scooped Poppy into his arms.

Late last year, after winning the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and clinching a sixth order of merit – matching the great Seve Ballesteros – McIlroy admitted that he had been through ‘a lot this year, professionally and personally’.

‘To have Erica and Poppy here, it means a lot,’ he said. ‘It’s the first one they’ve been at in a while and for Poppy to be old enough now to sort of understand what is going on. I had to ask her if I did win, would she come out onto the 18th green with me?

‘Their support means the world to me and to be able to show Poppy what happened and some of the reasons maybe why I’m not around all of the time because I’m working or practicing.

‘Hopefully she realizes or thinks it’s worthwhile that I’m not there every night for dinner or for bedtime or whatever it is.

‘It’s incredible that they were here with me this week and I’m excited to go and celebrate with them.’

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Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll put on a united front with daughter Poppy at the Masters after divorce U-turn

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