Two years on from filing for divorce, Rory McIlroy will be hoping to have his wife, Erica Stoll, by his side should he claim victory at this weekend's PGA Championship. The Northern Irishman is chasing a third triumph at the second major of the year, looking to build on his extraordinary run of form since the beginning of 2025, which has encompassed four PGA Tour victories, two Masters titles, the Irish Open, a seventh Race to Dubai crown, and guiding Team Europe to Ryder Cup glory.

His back-to-back wins at Augusta National mean McIlroy now stands just two majors short of completing a second career grand slam, a feat previously achieved only by Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Victories at this year's US Open and Open Championship would see him join that elite company.

While McIlroy's outstanding dedication and talent are undeniably at the heart of his recent successes, his decision to abandon divorce proceedings has also proved a significant factor.

It is no coincidence that, since reversing his choice to end his marriage to Stoll in June 2024, the 37-year-old has enjoyed remarkable rewards.

Here, Express Sport takes a closer look at McIlroy and Stoll's relationship, exploring how they first met, what prompted their divorce filing, and why they ultimately chose to stay together.

When did Rory and Erica meet?

McIlroy and Stoll first crossed paths in 2012, when the American caught the attention of the major champion after she arranged a police escort to the golf course, following a mix-up over his tee time during the Sunday singles at that year's Ryder Cup.

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The couple began their romance in 2015, and by December of that year had announced their engagement after McIlroy popped the question in Paris. They exchanged vows two years later, in 2017, at a lavish ceremony held at Ashford Castle in County Mayo.

The wedding reportedly cost £174,000, with the celebrations featuring star-studded performances from Ed Sheeran and Stevie Wonder, and distinguished guests including Padraig Harrington and Niall Horan.

McIlroy and Stoll have one daughter, Poppy, born in 2020, and the family of three has regularly been seen celebrating together whenever the Northern Irishman has chalked up his latest victory on the fairways.

Divorce filing and U-turn

On May 13, 2024, just one day after clinching his fourth Wells Fargo Championship, McIlroy filed for divorce from his wife of seven years, citing that their marriage was "irretrievably broken".

"Rory McIlroy's communications team confirmed today that a divorce has been filed," a statement released at the time read. "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."

Less than four weeks later, on June 11, 2024, McIlroy and Stoll called off their divorce proceedings, with the golfer's legal representatives submitting a notice of voluntary dismissal to a Florida court.

Speaking to the Guardian, McIlroy disclosed that the couple had "resolved our differences" and that their best way forward was together as a family, while several months later he admitted that the divorce filing had been his "wake-up call."

Fresh start

McIlroy spoke of his excitement for "a new beginning", and his rekindled relationship with Stoll was plain for all to see throughout Masters week 2025, as his wife stood proudly beside him, first at the Par-3 contest and subsequently following his victory.

Visibly moved, McIlroy embraced his wife and their daughter on the 18th green, calling it a moment he would cherish forever and thanking them for being "on this journey with me the whole way through".

McIlroy went on to pay tribute to his wife for the dignified manner in which she handled the Ryder Cup abuse she suffered the previous year, which included having a drink thrown over her.

"Erica is fine. She's a very, very strong woman. You know, she handled everything this week with class and poise and dignity like she always has. I love her," McIlroy said.

The family has since relocated to the UK, settling into their newly refurbished six-bedroom home on the exclusive Wentworth Estate in Surrey, England. They have retained their Jupiter, Florida, property as well, dividing their time between both residences throughout the golf season.

This article first appeared on Mirror US.