Rory McIlroy has won major golf tournaments before, but this victory brought tears to his eyes for various reasons, including his personal life. He and his wife Erica were on the verge of divorce.
“It means a lot,” McIlroy said. sky sportsafter winning the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai event three years in a row. Erica and her daughter Poppy were also on the course with him.
“I've been through a lot this year, both personally and professionally, and it feels like a fitting end to 2024. You see, I've endured a lot this year, had close calls, and not been able to make it through. I was able to get over the line – I had a great start, but around the middle of the round I wasn’t at my best.”
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Posing with wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy next to the DP World Tour Championship Trophy and Race to Dubai Trophy at Jumeirah Golf Estate in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on November 17, 2024 Rory McIlroy. (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
McIlroy celebrated the win with his family, but he choked up a little when he started talking about it.
“Their support means the world to me,” he told reporters.
“To be able to show Poppy what happened today and some of the reasons why I'm not always around at work or practice… it's incredible that they came with me this week. “I'm so excited to go celebrate with them.'' ”
Rory McCloy was a 'difficult person to marry', wife reached 'breaking point' for divorce: report
McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica in May. but, Mr McIlroy told the Guardian. Their differences were reconciled in June.
“Over the past few weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future is together as a family,” he said.
“Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
Rory McIlroy celebrates during the final round of the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai on November 17, 2024. (David Cannon/Getty Images)
But on the golf course, McIlroy faced more adversity than usual, including a meltdown at this year's U.S. Open, won by Bryson DeChambeau, after McIlroy putt trouble in the final round.
It got to the point where he had to take some time off from the game before getting back into shape at the Scottish Open.
McIlroy was in serious contention at the US Open, Irish Open, BMW PGA Championship and Dubai Invitational, but narrowly missed out on a win in each tournament.
So when he saw his final putt made in Dubai, he was clearly overcome with emotion.
“It's been quite a year, but I'm very happy with where I'm at in my career and life,” Rory McIlroy said. (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
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“It's been quite a year, but I'm very happy with where I'm at in my career and life and I feel like everything worked out as planned,” McIlroy said.
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