Rory McIlroy's biggest supporters will always support him.
Following his heartbreaking playoff loss to Billy Horschel at the BMW PGA Championship on Sunday, the four-time major winner shared a heartwarming moment with his wife, Erica Stoll, and their four-year-old daughter, Poppy.
In the footage shared on the DP World Tour's X account, McIlroy can be seen holding Poppy as Stoll, who filed for divorce earlier this year but then made a shocking turnaround, moves in for a kiss.
The 35-year-old McIlroy lost to the 37-year-old Horschel on the second hole of a playoff at Wentworth Club in England, but Horschel sank an eagle putt on the 18th hole to win.
“I'm excited and thrilled with how I played,” Horschel told reporters. “I fought really hard today, but at the same time, I'm a little disappointed. Rory's a really good friend of mine and I have a lot of respect for him. I think he's a generational talent and knowing how close he was this year, I know how he feels.”
McIlory has been plagued by not taking his first professional step in 2024.
The Northern Irishman collapsed in the final stages of the U.S. Open in June, missing out on the title while Bryson DeChambeau won his second major championship.
The tournament came just days after McIlroy annulled his divorce from Stoll, his wife of seven years.
Divorce papers were originally filed in May and stated that the marriage was “irretrievably broken.”
McIlroy's lawyers filed a notice of voluntary dismissal a few weeks later. Page Six reported.
“Over the past few weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future lies together as a family.” McIlroy said. In a statement to the Guardian in June, he said: “Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
Stoll backed McIlroy at the Genesis Scottish Open in July, where he finished tied for fourth place.
Despite missing out on the $1.53 million prize on Sunday, McIlroy remains positive with limited opportunities remaining in 2024.
“If I continue to do what I'm working on on the range, I think I'll be in a good spot in the future. I'm just proud to be able to go out on the court and really have a chance to win while still working on my swing,” McIlroy said. From ESPN.
“I'm excited about the future. I'm playing well. I keep giving myself opportunities. … I just need to keep my mind focused and get ready for the last three tournaments of the year.”
