Rory McIlroy makes promise to wife Erica Stoll and daughter after divorce called off

Rory McIlroy, the four-time major winner, secured his sixth Race To Dubai title on Sunday after winning the season-ending DP World Tour Championship

Rory McIlroy will spend more time with Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy (Image: DP World Tour)

Rory McIlroy has promised to spend some downtime with his family after a rollercoaster year.

The golf star wrapped up the season triumphantly on Sunday, clinching the DP World Tour Championship and bagging his sixth Race To Dubai title. Despite securing his fourth win of the season, McIlroy faced tough moments with near-misses at major tournaments, including a heart-wrenching second place at the U.S. Open, Irish Open, and BMW Championship.

His shot at victory at Pinehurst No. 2 was particularly stinging, as he lost a two-shot lead to Bryson DeChambeau, extending his decade-long wait for another major championship.

Away from the greens, McIlroy’s personal life has been just as eventful. In May, right before the PGA Championship, he revealed that he and his wife Erica Stoll were heading for divorce, citing an “irretrievably broken” relationship in the court documents.

Yet, love prevailed, and a month later, they announced a reconciliation, with McIlroy stating: “Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together.”

The season ended on a high note with McIlroy defeating Rasmus Hojgaard by two shots at Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth Course. The 35-year-old celebrated the victory with Erica and their four-year-old daughter Poppy, creating a touching moment on the 18th green captured in photographs.

Rory McIlroy’s season ended in style on Sunday ( Image: Getty Images)
In the DP World Tour’s diary room, Rory McIlroy, visibly moved by the moment, shared his experience: “To have Erica and Poppy here, it means a lot.

“It’s the first one they’ve been at in a while and for Poppy to be old enough now to sort of understand what is going on. I had to ask her if I did win, would she come out onto the 18th green with me?

“Their support means the world to me and to be able to show Poppy what happened and some of the reasons maybe why I’m not around all of the time because I’m working or practising, hopefully she realises or thinks it’s worthwhile that I’m not there every night for dinner or for bedtime or whatever it is. It’s incredible that they were here with me this week and I’m excited to go and celebrate with them.”

McIlroy wrapped up with touching words and a holiday pledge, stressing the importance of being “more present” in the coming Christmas season: “I’d say that I love them and I can’t wait for this little bit of offseason that we have now.

“Poppy is very excited for Santa to come, so I’m excited to spend a little bit more time with them and celebrate the holidays and put the clubs away for a while so I’m hopefully a little more there and a little more present. Hopefully they enjoy that.”