Rory McIlroy became visibly emotional as he spoke about his wife Erica Stoll and their daughter Poppy after his triumphant win at the DP World Tour Championship on Sunday, November 17, in Dubai. The victory marked a significant milestone for McIlroy, not only professionally but also personally, as he reflected on the challenges he faced throughout the year.
The 35-year-old golfer, who earlier this year reconciled with Stoll after initially filing for divorce, addressed the media following his win at Jumeirah Golf Estates. McIlroy had filed for divorce on May 13 but called off the separation in June, choosing to work through their issues together. As he stood victorious, he couldn’t help but express how much the support of his family meant to him during such a turbulent time.
Speaking to Sky Sports after his victory, McIlroy struggled to hold back tears as he spoke about his wife of seven years. “I’ve been through a lot this year—professionally and personally,” he said, acknowledging how the journey had been full of ups and downs. He described his championship win as a “fitting end to 2024,” and a symbol of resilience both on and off the golf course.
“It’s been quite the year, but I’m super happy with where I am in my career and in my life,” McIlroy continued. “I feel like everything’s worked out the way it was supposed to.” He went on to explain that he had faced “a lot of self-inflicted pressure” throughout the season, which added to the weight of his personal struggles. “I love to end the year on a positive note,” McIlroy added. “I was maybe feeling a little more pressure than I should have, but this victory means so much.”
As McIlroy sank his final putt to seal his victory, his wife Erica and their four-year-old daughter Poppy were there by his side to celebrate the moment. Seeing them standing by, McIlroy couldn’t help but express just how much their presence meant to him. “Their support means the world to me,” he told reporters, as quoted by CNN. “To be able to show Poppy what happened today and maybe some of the reasons why I’m not around all of the time because I’m working or practicing…it’s incredible that they were here with me this week, and I’m excited to go celebrate with them.”
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The emotional speech came after a tumultuous few months for McIlroy and Stoll. After filing for divorce in May, the couple appeared to be headed in separate directions, but by June, McIlroy had filed a notice of voluntary dismissal in Palm Beach County Court, officially calling off the divorce. The move signaled a renewed commitment to making their marriage work.
Speaking to The Guardian after withdrawing the divorce filing, McIlroy addressed the rumors that had circulated about his personal life. “There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate,” he said. “Responding to each rumor is a fool’s game.” McIlroy emphasized that, ultimately, he and Stoll had come to realize that they wanted to remain together as a family. “We realized that our best future was as a family together,” he explained. “Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
McIlroy’s win at the DP World Tour Championship was a testament to his resilience, both as an athlete and as a family man.
The year had not been easy, with challenges on and off the course, but the victory felt like a culmination of all the work he had put in—not just in his golf game, but in his personal life as well. With Erica and Poppy by his side, McIlroy looked forward to the future with a renewed sense of purpose.
“It’s moments like these that make everything worth it,” McIlroy said. “To have my family here, to share in the joy of this win, it’s just incredible. I’m so grateful for Erica and everything she’s done for me and our family. We’ve been through a lot, but we’re stronger for it, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
The win in Dubai was not just a victory on the golf course—it was also a symbol of healing and growth for Rory McIlroy and his family.
As he celebrated with Erica and Poppy, it was clear that this was more than just a professional achievement; it was a deeply personal triumph that marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
