Rory McIlroy’s wife Erica Stoll supports him at Carnoustie months on from divorce U-turn as he shares laugh with LIV Golf boss Yasir Al-Rumayyan
As Rory McIlroy played on the links at Carnoustie in Scotland during the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship this week, he was cheered on by a friendly face behind the ropes.
Erica Stoll was photographed as McIlroy shot a 69 during what he called a “perfect day” in the multi-course event.
This comes about two weeks after Stoll and McIlroy were caught kissing at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in Surrey.
The Irishman had to settle for second place behind American Billy Horschel that week and was filmed hugging his four-year-old daughter Poppy before planting a kiss on Erica.
It was all captured on video posted to social media by the DP World Tour Twitter account, with the caption: “Losing is hard. Family makes it easier.”
Erica Stoll (R), wife of Rory McIlroy (L) watched as her husband played Carnoustie
It’s a positive sign for their relationship after McIlroy reportedly considered divorce this year
It’s a sign in the right direction for the couple, after they briefly considered divorce earlier this year.
The couple made the stunning decision to call off the divorce less than a month after Stoll, 36, was served with the papers at their home in Jupiter, Florida, informing her that McIlroy wanted to end their marriage.
McIlroy addressed the speculation in a statement to The Guardian just days before the opening round of this summer’s US Open at Pinehurst, where he finished second.
‘There have been rumors about my personal life lately, and that’s a shame. Responding to every rumor is a fool’s game,” McIlroy said.
“Over the past few weeks, Erica and I have come to the realization that our best future was together as a family.
“Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and are looking forward to a new beginning.”
But Stoll wasn’t the only person McIlroy shared a moment with on the famed Scottish left. McIlroy was seen walking and talking to Saudi PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
The Irishman also made fun of Saudi PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan
Al-Rumayyan had met with Jay Monahan, the PGA Tour commissioner, earlier in the day
The two were photographed laughing, although it is unclear what was discussed.
Al-Rumayyan had spent time with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan earlier in the day in a Pro Am event in which they were drawn together.
Monahan and Al-Rumayyan hugged – a sign that the Gulf civil war could end peacefully after 16 months of negotiations.
On Wednesday, McIlroy hinted that progress has been made on a settlement between the two sides, saying: ‘There’s no better place than the home of golf to try to get everyone together and talk.
‘I think it’s nice and a good sign that Jay and Yasir are going to play together. And obviously you have quite a large contingent left from LIV playing in this event.
‘I think Johann Rupert (owner of Dunhill), the man running this event, is trying to bring the golf world back together a bit. If we need to be forced together somehow, he tries to do that.
‘I think it will be good. It is certainly a step in the right direction.’
McIlroy also said he hopes there will be a resolution by the end of the year, adding: “We’re in October, so hopefully three months to get something done.”