Rory McIlroy’s personal life has dominated the build-up to this week’s PGA Championship.
On Tuesday, a spokesperson for McIlroy confirmed reports that the 35-year-old has filed for divorce from wife of seven years, Erica Stoll.
The Northern Irishman is said to have filed the documents on Monday, just three days before the start of the PGA Championship at Valhalla, the scene of his last major victory ten years ago.
News of McIlroy’s divorce is hardly ideal preparation for the four-time major winner.
However, several omens suggest ‘single Rory’ could be about to dominate the field in Louisville, Kentucky, with Barstool Sports’ Riggs placing a $5,000 bet on the world no. 2 to lift the Wanamaker Trophy for a third time.
“Scottie Scheffler has had to deal with a lot. Fierce competition. Putting woes. The birth of his first child,” Riggs posted on X.
“But he’s never had to deal with Single Rory. A new era is upon us.”
The $5,000 bet would return a whopping $42,000 if McIlroy does indeed triumph this week.
“This is the ultimate show down of new dad sports strength vs freshly divorced man intensity,” one fan said. “Can’t wait to see it.”
Fans have noticed similarities between McIlroy’s previous split with former fiancee Caroline Wozniacki and this latest one.
McIlroy’s break-up with tennis ace Wozniacki came out of the blue on the week of the 2014 BMW PGA at Wentworth, which he went on to win.
Two months later, Rory won the 2014 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, the third major championship of his career.
The split with Wozniacki was also three months before his 2014 PGA Championship triumph at Valhalla, the site of his last major win and where this year’s event is taking place.
Indeed, McIlroy has been single for all four of his major championship victories – which some fans believe is a good omen for his chances at the second men’s major of the year.
“Single Rory is no joke,” commented one fan.
“Single Rory is winning it all,” remarked another.
Despite the furore around his private life, McIlroy heads into the 2024 PGA Championship in fine form.
He recently won his fourth Wells Fargo Championship title after finishing five shots clear of nearest challenger Xander Schauffele.
McIlroy has been on the hunt for his fifth major for a decade but says he’s a much better player now than he was when he won the PGA Championship back in 2014.
“I’ve been sort of banging this drum for the last few years, but I’m a way better player now than I was back then,” said McIlroy
“I haven’t had the major record to back that up, but I’ve had the wins, I’ve done everything else there is to do in the game since 2014.
“The only thing I need to do is get another major. You know, a win like this going into the PGA Championship next week is a good way to prep for that.”
McIlroy will speak to the media at a press conference at around 6:00 p.m (BST) on Wednesday evening where he is likely to be asked about his recent split from Stoll.
News Summary:
- McIlroy divorce sparks $5,000 bet as fans think ‘single Rory’ is about to dominate PGA Championship
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