Rory McIlroy relationship bombshells as insiders claim 'strains linger' with wife Erica
Golf sensation Rory McIlroy was spotted beaming with pride as Team Europe beat Team US to win the Ryder Cup, but his wife was hit with horrific abuse along the way.
Erica Stoll had followed her Masters champion husband around the Bethpage Black course in New York, facing verbal slurs and on the worst occasion, being hit by a drink that was allegedly thrown by a member of the crowd.
Erica, 38, was standing next to Rory, 36, at the time and he quickly checked if she was OK, wiping her hat. After the tournament ended, the Northern Irishman said there had been "a lot of language that was unacceptable and abusive behaviour". He added: "I don't think we should ever accept that in golf. I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week."
The incident is not the first time Rory has hit the headlines when it comes to his relationship - here are four other bombshells...
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Following his team's 15-13 victory, Rory paid tribute to his wife for remaining dignified in the face of the unacceptable abuse, saying: "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 and we're going to have a good time celebrating tonight."
Just 16 months prior, the golfer had submitted a three-page document to a Florida court detailing his request to file for divorce from Erica after seven years of marriage. According to TMZ, Rory asked for their prenuptial agreement to be upheld and requested a shared parenting plan for their daughter Poppy.
A few days later, the sportsman refused to answer any questions about his love life at the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club, where he was spotted without his wedding ring.
With the announcement of the couple's impending divorce shocking the golf world, rumours began to swirl that Rory was in the early stages of a relationship with CBS Sports presenter Amanda Balionis. A source would firmly deny there was anything between them.
This didn't seem to deter spectators at the Ryder Cup - thei Newspaperreported some fans were heard to shout "Amanda" from the crowd.
One month after the divorce request, Rory announced he and Erica had called off their split. He said: "There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumour is a fool's game.
"Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning."
The star golfer went onto pay a tearful tribute to his family following his first Masters win in April.
Strains 'still exist'While Rory and Erica have turned a new leaf and look as loved-up as ever, their near-divorce didn't come without its difficultes according to some of those who know the golfer.
A source quoted as an associate of Rory's told the Daily Mail that "strains still exist" between the pair.
"I don't think I'm going to surprise anyone by saying that," they said. "I'm not saying that he's looking to get divorced or anything. Staying married allows him to avoid the spectacle of a public divorce, protect his brand, and shield personal drama from the press.
The source claimed: "The marriage is probably not entirely 'fixed', but running on optics, and mutual self-interest. Aren't all marriages where there's a famous person involved?
"Erica is his emotional anchor – not just a background figure but someone whose presence matters. The trouble is, that her presence matters because she does everything, allowing him to play golf. "