RORY McILROY faced a barrage of abuse while competing at the Ryder Cup over the weekend.
But standing next to him throughout it all was his wife, Erica Stoll.
Rory McIlroy helped Europe to a Ryder Cup win at the weekend[/caption]
McIlroy and his wife, Erica Stoll, stood united throughout the Ryder Cup weekend[/caption]
The 36-year-old hit back at the people who abused him during the competition[/caption]
Erica, who was born in New York, followed the Masters champion around Bethpage Black each day as McIlroy helped Team Europe to glory.
And in doing so, she was subjected to some horrific abuse herself.
Erica was allegedly hit by a drink that had been thrown by a member of the crowd on Saturday.
The incident happened while she was standing next to McIlroy, who quickly checked to make sure that she was okay.
Speaking after the competition, the 36-year-old said: “Look, 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.
“Golf has the ability to unite people. Golf teaches you very good life lessons.
“It teaches you etiquette. It teaches you how to play by the rules. It teaches you how to respect people.
“Sometimes this week we didn’t see that. So no, this should not be what is acceptable in the Ryder Cup.”
The couple’s united front proved their marriage is continuing to go from strength to strength – 16 months after they planned to get a divorce.
SHOCK SPLIT
In May last year, McIlroy submitted a three-page document to a court in Florida detailing his request to file for divorce from Erica.
It was claimed by TMZ at the time that McIlroy had asked for their prenuptial agreement to be upheld.
He also wanted to implement a shared parenting plan for their young daughter, Poppy.
The bombshell dropped just days before the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club.
McIlroy refused to answer any questions about his love life and was even spotted without his wedding ring.
McIlroy removed his wedding ring after the split last year[/caption]
DATING RUMOURS
Following the announcement of the couple’s divorce, rumours claimed that McIlroy was possibly in the early stages of a relationship with CBS Sports presenter Amanda Balionis.
However, they were rubbished when a source denied there was anything going on between them.
Spectators at Bethpage Black over the Ryder Cup weekend this month used the rumours to target both McIlroy and his wife.
The I Newspaper claimed that some fans could be heard shouting “Amanda” from the crowd.
They also took aim at McIlroy with vile insults about his wife.
McIlroy was rumoured to be dating CBS commentator Amanda Balionis after his divorce announcement[/caption]
DIVORCE U-TURN
One month on from his initial divorce request, McIlroy announced that he and Erica had called off the 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.”
McIlroy went on to finish second in the US Open at Pinehurst Resort just days after the announcement.
The couple reunited a month after the divorce announcement[/caption]
GRAND SLAM SUCCESS
Following the couple’s reunion, McIlroy has enjoyed a successful year.
He won The Masters for the first time in April which saw him finally earn a career Grand Slam.
And Erica was there with him when he put on the iconic green jacket.
The pair shared a touching moment in front of the cameras before McIlroy gave Poppy, his daughter, a huge cuddle.
The golf superstar, who admitted to watching Zootopia with his four-year-old daughter between rounds all week, paid tribute to his family’s support after the win.
Fighting back tears, he said: “Last but not least, over to my left, my family, my team. They’ve been on this journey with me the whole way through.
“They know the burden that I’ve carried to come here every year and try and try and try again.
“The one thing I would say to my daughter Poppy, never give up on your dreams. Never ever give up on your dreams. Keep coming back. Keep working hard.”
McIlroy celebrated his Masters win with his family[/caption]
