Rory McIlroy paid tribute to his mother Rosie after winning the Wells Fargo Championship on Sunday, which fell on Mother’s Day, but did not mention estranged wife Erica Stoll, with whom he shares daughter Poppy, 3.
When asked by CBS’ Amanda Balionis to speak of his mother on the holiday, the Northern Irishman gushed over his “amazing” mother in Charlotte — one day before he would file for divorce from Stoll in Florida.
“My mom is amazing. I think most people know my dad [Gerry McIlroy], but my mom Rosie is the sort of rock, or the gel that holds our family together,” McIlroy said. “She always has been held my family together.
“I said this last night, ‘I am probably a lot more like my dad than I am my mom, but I wish I was a little more like my mom at times. If you’re watching mom, Happy Mother’s Day.”
Two days after the post-tournament interview, news leaked of McIlroy’s divorce, with the docs stating his seven-year union to Stoll was “irretrievably broken.”
Stoll, who wed McIlroy in 2017, was noticeably absent from the Masters last month after attending the tournament in 2023 — when the couple packed on the PDA at Augusta National.
The couple also took part in the Par 3 Contest with daughter Poppy.
McIlroy’s divorce filing stated the pair have a prenup and they’re also seeking split custody of Poppy, who arrived in August 2020.
It’s unclear what exactly led to the demise of the couple’s marriage.
McIlroy was spotted without his wedding ring on Wednesday while practicing at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville ahead of the start of the 2024 PGA Championship on Thursday.
In a press conference Wednesday before the tournament, the media was warned to refrain from asking questions about McIlroy’s personal life amid the divorce news.
McIlroy’s camp released a statement Tuesday and “stressed Rory’s desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible.”
The 35-year-old PGA Tour star said he is “ready to play this week” in the second major of the season.
Sean O’Flaherty, the pro’s manager, added his client will not be commenting further on the matter.
McIlroy is coming off consecutive wins at the Zurich Classic, where he was partnered with Shane Lowry, and at the Wells Fargo Championship.
