DISCLOSEđRory McIlroy admits Erica Stoll is the reason for his historic victory at the Masters because of one special thing that few people can realize, which is becauseâŚđ
Rory McIlroy, the 2025 Masters champion who etched his name into golf history by completing the career Grand Slam, has opened up about a deeply personal secret behind his triumph at Augusta National. In a candid interview with Golf Digest published today, McIlroy credited his wife, Erica Stoll, as the driving force behind his historic win on April 13, revealing a special, often-overlooked element that few people realize played a pivotal role. âEricaâs the reason I pulled this off,â McIlroy said, his voice filled with gratitude. âItâs her unwavering support, especially during those quiet moments, that got me through.â The revelation has warmed the hearts of fans, shedding light on the personal strength that fueled his professional success.
McIlroyâs victory at the Masters came after a dramatic playoff against Justin Rose, where he sank a clutch 12-foot putt on the second extra hole to claim his first major in 11 years and complete the set of all four major championships. The win, which followed a rollercoaster decade marked by near-misses, was a career-defining moment for the 36-year-old Northern Irishman. However, McIlroy attributed much of his resilience to Stoll, whom he reconciled with in June 2024 after a highly publicized near-divorce filing in May. The couple, married since 2017 and parents to their 4-year-old daughter Poppy, have faced their share of challenges, but McIlroy highlighted one specific aspect of Stollâs support that proved transformative.
âThat one special thing is her ability to keep me grounded,â McIlroy explained. âAfter tough rounds or when the pressure mounts, Erica has this way of pulling me back with just a look or a quiet word. No one sees that sideâitâs not the cheers or the hype, but those silent moments of strength she gives me.â He recounted a pivotal moment during Masters week, when Stoll stayed up late with him after a shaky second round, offering encouragement without judgment. âShe didnât push me to talk,â he said. âShe just sat there, and that presence gave me the clarity to refocus. I donât think Iâd have made that putt without her.â
Fans on X have been touched by McIlroyâs admission, with one writing, âRory crediting Erica is so beautifulâtrue love wins!â Another posted, âThat quiet support is what champions are made of. Ericaâs the real MVP.â The coupleâs journeyâfrom the brink of divorce to this public acknowledgmentâhas added a layer of inspiration to McIlroyâs victory, especially after he moved into a new $10 million Georgian-style mansion in Londonâs Kensington district with Stoll and Poppy earlier this year (Us Weekly, April 24).
As McIlroy prepares for the Truist Championship (May 8-11) and the PGA Championship (May 15-18) at Quail Hollowâwhere heâs a four-time winnerâhis focus remains sharp, but his gratitude to Stoll is unwavering. âSheâs my rock,â he said. âPeople see the shots, the wins, but they donât see the person behind it all. Ericaâs that person.â With his confidence soaring after Augusta, McIlroyâs latest revelation has not only highlighted his personal life but also set the stage for what could be another dominant run in the 2025 season, all underpinned by the quiet strength of his wife