Rory McIlroy breaks silence on divorce from Erica Stoll as he prepares for PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy has made his first appearance at the US PGA since the confirmation of his divorce from Erica Stoll. The golfing world was shaken by the news of his marital split, but the 35-year-old was seen back on the course in preparation for the PGA Championship at Valhalla, Kentucky.

McIlroy, along with Scottie Scheffler, is considered one of the favorites to win the Wannamaker Trophy, a prediction supported by his recent form. "I really got some confidence from New Orleans winning with Shane," he said after his victory.

"And then coming into this week, at a golf course I'm comfortable at, my golf swing feels a lot more comfortable than it has done. Going to a venue [Valhalla] next week where I've won, it feels like the stars are aligning a little bit."

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Despite his optimism, McIlroy acknowledges the challenges ahead: "But I have got a lot of golf to play and a lot of great players to try and beat next week. I'm going into the next major of the year feeling really good about myself."

However, McIlroy's confidence will be tested as he faces personal challenges off the course. On Tuesday, it was revealed that the Northern Irishman had filed for divorce from his wife, with documents submitted in Florida on Monday, reports the Irish Mirror .

McIlroy and Stoll's romance began back in 2012 during the Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club, Illinois, where Stoll was on duty. They started dating two years after their first encounter.

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Previously engaged to tennis ace Caroline Wozniacki, McIlroy later admitted post-breakup that he "wasn't ready for all that marriage entails." "Erica, that week, was always the one that was checking us in and out," McIlroy reminisced to NBC Sports in 2019 about his then-partner. "She was there at transportation, so she was always in the car park over the [by the clubhouse.]

"But yeah, it's still cool to look around and think about that week, and obviously everything that's happened since then. It's pretty cool." McIlroy popped the question to Stoll in Paris in 2015, and they tied the knot in 2017 in Ireland. The couple, who have been together for seven years, share a daughter, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy, born in 2020.

The reasons behind McIlroy filing for divorce remain undisclosed, but at 35, he has appealed for privacy. "Rory's desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible," confirmed McIlroy's representatives while announcing the divorce. "He won't be making any further comment."

Media engagement is on McIlroy's agenda for Wednesday, just before the PGA Championship kicks off.

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