Rory McIlroy is aiming to win the one major that has eluded him in his career this week as he once again aims to get a green jacket at Augusta.
The Holywood man arrives at The Masters in brilliant form and is only behind defending champion Scottie Scheffler in the betting to win the tournament.
Cheering McIlroy on at Augusta National will be his wife Erica Stoll and their four-year-old daughter Poppy, who the world number two recently told about how she helps him to overcome disappointments.
At times McIlroy's personal life has made headlines, including last year when he filed for divorce before calling it off just a few weeks later.
Cancelled divorce
Prior to the second major of 2024, the PGA Championship at Valhalla, McIlroy filed for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll. In a statement, the golfer's manager Sean O'Flaherty said: "Rory McIlroy's communications team confirmed today that a divorce has been filed. They stressed Rory's desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible. He will not be making any further comment."
However, just weeks later McIlroy called off the divorce, saying that he and his wife had reconciled and would not be splitting. He said in a statement at the time: "There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumour is a fool's game.
"Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together.
"Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning."
Relationship timeline
McIlroy and Stoll met in 2012 when the American was credited by the golf star with helping him get a police escort to the course after misreading his tee time for the Sunday singles at the Ryder Cup.
They began dating a number of years later in 2015 and in December of that year, the couple announced their engagement, with the proposal coming in Paris.
The Co Down native married Stoll in 2017 in a lavish ceremony at Ashford Castle in Co Mayo.
Their big day reportedly cost in excess of €1million, with the ceremony a star-studded affair that saw performances from Ed Sheeran and Stevie Wonder, while Padraig Harrington and Niall Horan were among the famous names in attendance.
In 2020, the couple welcomed their daughter, Poppy. Speaking to Golfweek at the time, McIlroy said: “It’s amazing. You see other people having kids and babies, and you’ll say congratulations and you’re happy for them, but you don’t really know how it feels.”
"You feel like you get to know your baby while she’s still in her mother’s belly, but to go from not having met this person to having unconditional love for them from one minute to the next, there’s nothing like it in the world.
“It’s probably the best part of being a human being, and I’m glad that I got to experience it.”
Split from Caroline Wozniacki
McIlroy had been set to marry tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, but they split in 2014 after almost three years together. Their split came as a shock to fans as the couple had just sent out invitations to their upcoming wedding.
The Co Down man initially claimed the separation was amicable and said they "both thought it was for the best". However, reports soon emerged that he broke up with Caroline during a brief three-minute phone call and she's since confirmed they've had no contact since.
Shortly after the split, Caroline took to Twitter to thank fans for their support. She said: "It's a hard time for me right now. Thanks for all the sweet messages! Happy I support Liverpool right now because I know I'll never walk alone."
Rory then admitted the split was his decision, saying: "There is no right way to end a relationship that has been so important to two people. The problem is mine.
"The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realize that I wasn't ready for all that marriage entails. I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we've had. I will not be saying anything more about our relationship in any setting."
Following her split from Rory, Caroline revealed she was in a relationship with David Lee. The pair got engaged on November 2, 2017 and tied the knot on June 16, 2019. The couple share two children together.
Meghan Markle links
Back in 2014, during the height of the 'ALS Ice Bucket Challenge', McIlroy sparked rumours when he nominated Markle, then still a Suits actress, for the challenge. She agreed, but only if McIlroy would be the one to douse her with the icy water at her apartment.
McIlroy and Markle reportedly had drinks and dinner at Fitzpatrick Hotel in New York, sparking rumours amongst their fanbases. But despite excitement about a potential romance given their evident chemistry, the relationship was nothing more than a platonic friendship.
On her now defunct blog 'The Tig', Markle wrote: "Ah yes. Rory McIlroy. THE Rory McIlroy. Whispered (and shouted) to be the foremost golfer in the world, loved by Tiger, respected by Palmer, and dumper of frigid water onto my lone head for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. That Rory McIlroy.
"He is a force who has the propensity to actually work hard and play hard – relishing intense practices to substantiate his title, embracing nights of sipping Opus One (his bold and impressive choice of wine) and indulging in group dinners at Cipriani – for the balance, of course.
"And yet, beyond his work/play ethic, the most endearing quality of this man is his character – as real and honest as they come, appreciating a simple smile, never shunning a fan photo, enjoying a plate of pasta with veal ragu, and expressing a love for his parents that is rarely seen in men his age.
"Or at any age, to be honest. He is not just the real deal...he is real. And perhaps that is what makes him even more cherished."
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