Rory McIlroy Files for Divorce After Seven Years: Erica Stoll’s Missed Deadline Signals Uncontested Split

Rory McIlroy Files for Divorce After Seven Years: Erica Stoll’s Missed Deadline Signals Uncontested Split

In a surprising turn of events, PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy has filed for divorce from his wife of seven years, Erica Stoll, citing an ‘irretrievably broken’ relationship. The four-time major champion’s legal move could become uncontested as Stoll missed her deadline to respond, potentially allowing the court to grant McIlroy a default divorce.

McIlroy and Stoll, who share a three-year-old daughter named Poppy, tied the knot in 2017. The Northern Irishman served the divorce papers to Stoll at their Jupiter home prior to last month’s PGA Championship in Kentucky. Florida law required Stoll to respond within 20 calendar days, a deadline that passed without her filing a response.

According to the Daily Mail, a local police officer named Carl Woods delivered the legal papers to the 36-year-old Stoll, explicitly informing her of the critical 20-day window. The officer warned, “If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case, and your wages, money, and property may thereafter be taken without further warning from the court.”

In McIlroy’s divorce petition, he requested shared custody of their daughter and asked the judge to enforce the prenuptial agreement signed before their marriage. Despite the looming possibility of a default divorce, McIlroy has refrained from commenting on his personal life, maintaining his focus on golf.

At the recent PGA Championship, reporters were instructed not to ask McIlroy about his marital issues. His manager, Sean O’Flaherty, confirmed the divorce filing and emphasized McIlroy’s desire to handle the situation respectfully and amicably. “Rory will not be making any further comment,” O’Flaherty stated.

In the aftermath of the filing, McIlroy has been romantically linked to CBS Sports broadcaster Amanda Balionis. The pair, who were seen together at the RBC Canadian Open, have yet to address the rumors, with reports suggesting the romantic connection is being downplayed.

As the divorce proceedings unfold, the golf world watches closely, not just for McIlroy’s on-course performance, but also for any developments in his personal life.