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LIV Golf stars may be able to sidestep penalties after Rory McIlroy

By Admin February 2, 2026

LIV Golf stars may be able to sidestep penalties after Rory McIlroy message

Rory McIlroy previously urged Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton to settle their DP World Tour fines, but it appears those penalties may soon become a non-issue.

The Northern Irishman has been a vocal opponent of LIV Golf, with the five-time major champion eagerly anticipating Brooks Koepka’s comeback and the chance to compete with him again on the PGA Tour.

McIlroy practically pleaded with his Ryder Cup colleagues, Hatton and Rahm, to clear their DP World Tour debts after both were penalized for participating in LIV Golf tournamentswhile maintaining their European tour memberships, although they filed appeals that remain unresolved.

READ: Tiger Woods’ Record in Danger as Justin Rose Delivers Stunning

This situation enabled their Ryder Cup team eligibility. Flushing It has now revealed that LIV competitors who participate on the DP World Tour may potentially sidestep penalties for taking part in conflicting LIV Golf tournaments.

The proposed arrangement being considered would mandate players to secure approval before entering LIV Golf competitions. Additionally, each would be required to pledge participation in a specified number of DP World Tour tournaments.

Penalties handed down through the 2025 season would still require settlement, however, and LIV Golf has discontinued covering these costs for its athletes.

Neither Rahm nor Hatton has settled their outstanding fines, with both continuing to compete while awaiting their hearings.

“What the DP World Tour is doing is upholding its rules and regulations,” McIlroy stated earlier this year. “We, as members, sign a document at the start of every year, which has you agree to these rules and regulations.

“The people that made the option to go to LIV knew what they were. So I don’t see what’s wrong with that.”

Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton face DP World Tour fines after playing in the LIV Golf league

When asked if it would simplify matters if the two players just paid their fines, McIlroy agreed: “Absolutely, yeah,” he responded. “We went really hard on the Americans about being paid to play the Ryder Cup and we also said that we would pay to play in Ryder Cups. There are two guys that can prove it.”

The grand slam champion further stated, “I think any organization or any members’ organisation like this has a right to uphold its rules and regulations,”.

However, McIlroy expressed skepticism about the possibility of unity between the tours anytime soon.

“I would say that’s Solution A. It matters,” he added. “But I just don’t see a world where it can happen at this point. Just I don’t see a world where the two or three sides or whoever it is will give up enough. Like for reunification to happen, every side is going to feel like they will have lost, where you really want every side to feel like they have won.”

He concluded, “I think they are just too far apart for that to happen.”

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Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods Accuse By Nelly Korda of ‘unbeli

By Admin January 29, 2026

Nelly Korda accuses Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods of ‘unbelievable miss’

LPGA standout Nelly Korda has suggested that Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods squandered a significant chance, despite their launch of a women’s edition of TGL.

TGL is currently in its sophomore season following a triumphant debut year in 2025. With fresh investment and plans for growth, McIlroy and Woods revealed that WTGL would kick off at the close of 2026.

Player recruitment is already underway for the inaugural season, with World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul already on board.

READ: After the couple’s loved-up display at his lavish 50th birthday bash Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump are

While LPGA standout Nelly Korda hasn’t yet signed up for the new circuit, she believes McIlroy and Woods should have created a mixed-gender TGL instead of establishing a separate women’s league.

To date, WTGL has confirmed that Thitikul, Charley Hull, Lydia Ko, Brooke Henderson, and Lexi Thompson will compete in the league. Rising talents Rose Zhang and Lottie Woad were added to the growing lineup on Tuesday.

Korda hasn’t turned down an invitation to participate but is still considering her options. Before reaching a conclusion, however, Korda has raised concerns about why all elite golfers weren’t united in a single competition.

“I have mixed feelings on it if I’m being very honest… and I’m surprised no other girls have, or no one’s really spoken out about it,” Korda told Golfweek. “I think it’s a huge and unbelievable miss that we’re not playing alongside the men.

“There’s no greater way to grow the game, and it would have been revolutionary. It would have been the first time, I think, that men and women are on the same playing field, playing for the same exact amount of money.”

Despite this, Korda remains appreciative that a women’s version of TGL is coming to fruition. “But I also think it’s great that we are getting this opportunity, so that’s my mixed feelings,” she noted.

While WTGL awaits Korda’s response to their invitation, the former World No. 1 isn’t in any hurry to commit.

She hasn’t dismissed the possibility of participating, but is carefully weighing her choices.

“I’m just still weighing out the time commitment… I just haven’t really thought about it too much, because I’ve been really focused on trying to get ready for this season,” she explained.

“I think logistically, they’re still trying to figure some stuff out, so I will just weigh out my options in the near future.”

Regardless of Korda’s uncertainty and reservations, WTGL leadership couldn’t be more pleased with the reception the league has garnered so far. Following the announcement of new roster members, WTGL emphasized the widespread enthusiasm among LPGA Tour players.

Liz Moore, chief media, strategy, and legal officer, commented: “The response to WTGL since our launch has been incredibly encouraging, particularly in the level of interest and commitment we’re seeing from players across the LPGA Tour,

“Having Lottie and Rose join this growing group – and seeing so many WTGL players competing this week at the LPGA Tour’s ‍season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions – reinforces our belief that WTGL will complement the LPGA in a meaningful way and create new opportunities to showcase the incredible talent, personalities, and competitiveness of our athletes.”

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Why Greg Norman Puts Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods on Blast for Nev

By Admin January 23, 2026

Greg Norman Puts Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods on Blast for Never Confronting Him Directly

Greg Norman may no longer be the loudest voice of LIV Golf, but he is far from done stirring the pot. At 70, the Australian legend has shifted his daily focus from golf’s boardrooms to the deep seas, chasing shipwrecks near Cuba. But going beyond his recent antics, Norman still sounds very much like the man who once “tore” professional golf apart. Greg Norman recently decided to take a shot at Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods for never facing him while holding grudges.

“They would never sit down across a table from me and talk to me man-on-man, one-on-one,” Norman didn’t mince his words while talking about the PGA Tour official and unofficial spokespersons. And according to him, there is only one reason that this never happened: “because I’d win the debate all day long,” he said, matter-of-fact.

READ: How Charlie Woods avoids freak injury as Tiger, Elin Nordegren su

A lot of stories unfolded in The Times’ exclusive on Greg Norman. He talked about Donald Trump, his close calls at the major tournaments, and, of course, LIV. But there was a larger point behind it all: to reveal the truth- the things he thought Rory and Tiger should have discussed with him, and what their silence ultimately meant.

Norman stated, “They couldn’t say to me, ‘Greg, you’ve hurt the PGA Tour.’ Hey Tiger, how much did you make out of the [Player Impact Programme]? Oh, Rory, how much did you make the last couple of years? What’s your prize money? I haven’t changed. I’m saying the same thing [as he did at LIV’s outset]. I’m just saying it with a lot of validation of the facts… everything [new] they’re getting is because of what I put in place.”

While Norman left the competitive realm decades ago, his public image is still contested. On one hand, he presents himself as a reformer trying to create new opportunities and shake up a system he believes was unfair. On the other hand, critics see him as someone driven by a long-standing resentment toward the PGA Tour, dating back more than 30 years, and view LIV Golf as the ultimate expression of that unresolved feud.

An interesting hour with Greg Norman, ranging from German U-boats in Cuba, Trump and Venezuela to LIV's recent tumult and reconciling with Jack Nicklaus.

'The cloud of uncertainty and hatred and abuse has been removed, and I’m still the same person.'https://t.co/Uywyl6mzeh

— Tom Kershaw (@trlkershaw) January 19, 2026

However, Greg Norman has blatantly rejected the idea that he was associated with LIV for revenge. He has shared how he feels that he has long been misunderstood. By daring the maestros of the sport to challenge him directly, he has called out what he sees as quiet opposition. More so because he seemingly believes that open conversation makes one more accountable than choosing whispered criticisms. He is disappointed regarding why both Woods and McIlroy chose never to confront him directly during the sport’s civil war.

The chaos surrounding LIV Golf this week only adds to the irony. The league he helped build is wobbling. However, Norman remains calm and away from the debacle. He has chosen to speak on how he still believes he was right to challenge the system. Now, while the Saudi-backed league struggles to find its footing under the leadership of Scott O’Neil, Norman has shared his unfiltered take on the decision of Koepka to sever ties with LIV and rejoin the PGA Tour.

Greg Norman happy about Brooks Koepka coming back to the PGA Tour

Norman left as the LIV Golf CEO back in 2025 as Scott O’Neil took over the reins. Unfortunately, his departure also triggered a pretty sombre phase for the Saudi-backed tournament. As the LIV Golf announced bringing in some radical changes, one of the biggest blows they faced was that of Brooks Koepka. One of the biggest stars of the game, Koepka, announced his exit from the league, citing family concerns.

However, as Koepka left LIV Golf with a year’s contract remaining, his future became clouded with uncertainties. As the PGA Tour required golfers from unauthorized leagues to serve a year-long ban, this meant that Koepka would have been out till mid-2026. Thankfully, with Rolapp introducing the ‘Returning Member Program,’ Koepka finally found a way in and is now a PGA Tour member. Now, while there have been a lot of criticisms of the move, Norman seems pretty much okay with the same.

“I love it. It’s free agency. Brooks had an option to stay with LIV or go back to the PGA Tour. He’s an independent contractor who can go wherever he wants. Look at what is happening with Bryson… God bless him. I hope he becomes a billionaire out of it,” said Norman.

Now, as Norman will continue to express his unfiltered thoughts, fans are eager to find out how LIV Golf functions in the absence of Norman.

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Rory McIlroy’s unexpected friendship with Meghan Markle that caus

By Admin December 24, 2025

Rory McIlroy’s unexpected friendship with Meghan Markle that caused dramas exposed

Before tying the knot with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle generally maintained privacy around her personal relationships and even implemented a social media restriction at her initial wedding to Trevor Engelson.

Nevertheless, following her 2014 divorce, whispers about her connections with Rory McIlroy swiftly captured public attention. Rory, who claimed the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year award on Thursday night, and Meghan initially met when the golfing champion challenged her to participate in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge 11 years ago.

READ: Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy presented with golden opportunity b

Footage of Rory, who was recently single at the time, drenching Meghan with icy water, sparked widespread rumors about a potential romantic connection, according to the Daily Mail.

Meghan also praised Rory as the “real deal” and described him as a “force” in a preserved entry on her former blog. At one stage, speculation that Meghan, then 33, and Rory, then 25, were romantically linked became so intense that the actress’s previous partner reportedly challenged her about it.

Celebrity chefs ‘angry questioning

Royal biographer Tom Bower alleged that celebrity chef Cory Vitiello, who was involved with Meghan during that period, “angrily” questioned the former Suits actress about whether there “had been an affair” following reports that she and Rory had shared dinner in Dublin.

“Emphatically, Meghan denied she had betrayed Cory. She and McIlroy were just friends, she said,” Bower documented in his book Revenge. Based on Bower’s account, their connection began after Meghan agreed to Rory’s Ice Bucket Challenge invitation, with the stipulation that he personally drench her at her friend’s apartment in NYC.

The pair filmed the challenge to raise awareness for ALS, with Meghan posting the video on her Vimeo account. The clip showed Rory, perched on a step ladder, dousing Meghan with icy water to fundraise for various ALS organizations.

Later that night, John Fitzpatrick, an Irish hotelier and self-proclaimed “huge fan of Suits,” spotted Rory and Meghan at his Fitzpatrick Hotel. He extended an invitation for them to join him and 18 other friends for dinner at Cipriani.

The following morning, Rory embarked on a 30-mile journey to Ringwood golf course for a competition but didn’t perform well. Feeling the effects of the previous night’s festivities, he slipped to 101st place and promptly “drove back to New York to see Meghan,” according to Bower.

Meghan’s heartfelt tribute to ‘cherished’ Rory.

Shortly thereafter, Meghan penned a glowing tribute to Rory on her now-defunct lifestyle blog, The Tig. She hailed the athlete as the “foremost golfer in the world.

“Ah yes. Rory Mcllroy,” the future Duchess penned. “THE Rory Mcllroy. Whispered (and shouted) to be the foremost golfer in the world, loved by Tiger, respected by Palmer, and dumper of frigid water on my lone head for the ALS Bucket Challenge. That Rory McIlroy.”

She lauded his “work/play ethic” and “endearing quality,” describing him as “as real and honest as they come.” Meghan highlighted Rory’s “love for his parents” as something “rarely seen in men his age. Or at any age, to be honest. “He is not just the real deal… he is real. And perhaps that is what makes him even more cherished,” she wrote.

Dublin reunion sparks further rumors

Two months later, Meghan and Rory reunited in Dublin after Meghan reportedly “lobbied hard” to secure an invitation to the esteemed One Young World summit. Bower suggested that Meghan, who gained fame from her role in Suits, was realizing that “celebrity in Hollywood was enhanced by philanthropy and activism.”

At the event, Meghan spoke about gender equality alongside tech entrepreneur Sheryl Sandberg and film director Maya Sanbar. This boost to her career also fueled rumors of a romantic relationship with Rory after they were seen dining at a high-end Dublin restaurant.

Meghan appeared “smitten” as she “gazed intensely” at Rory, while a source told Irish reporter Alexandra Ryan that they “sat beside each other looking very cosy and chatted all night.”

Bower alleges that Meghan’s friends in Ireland also “assumed” the pair had “met unseen, earlier during her visit.”

Chef boyfriend’s confrontations

However, Meghan had traveled to Dublin from Toronto with Cory, a trip that “some would suggest was paid for by Rory.”

Meghan described Cory as her “very favorite chef,” and they were together for two years before ending their relationship just two months prior to her blind date with Prince Harry.

But Meghan’s friendship with Rory reportedly caused tension early on in her relationship with Cory. Bower revealed that Cory asked Meghan in the summer of 2014 if she was “having a relationship” with the golf star.

Meghan reportedly “insisted their time together was innocent” and Cory “believed her.” However, reports of Meghan and Rory’s Dublin dinner allegedly “annoyed Cory” who “angrily” asked again if there “had been an affair.

“Emphatically, Meghan denied that she had betrayed Cory,” insisting they were “just friends,” wrote Bower. “Once more, he believed her.” The following day, Ryan penned an updated article portraying Cory and Meghan as “madly in love” and “sewn at the hip” throughout their entire stay in Ireland – much to Meghan’s “relief.” The golfer was not her future,” Bower observed.

Rory and Meghan’s fairy tale conclusions.

Following their alleged romantic connection, both Rory and Meghan discovered lasting love. Meghan notably married Prince Harry in May 2018 after they met through a blind date arrangement in 2016.

Meanwhile, Rory started a relationship with Erica Stoll in 2015, and the pair tied the knot in April 2017. Though they temporarily filed for divorce after seven years of marriage, they reunited just one month later. Rory and Erica are parents to a five-year-old daughter, Poppy.

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Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy presented with golden opportunity b

By Admin December 24, 2025

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy presented with golden opportunity by Brooks Koepka

Brooks Koepka’s choice to part ways with LIV Golf after the 2025 season was presented as a personal and friendly decision, but the timing of his departure could align perfectly for him to be picked up by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TGL digital golf league.

The five-time PGA Tour major champion and high-profile golfer will cease participating in LIV events starting in 2026 after fulfilling this year’s commitments. He pointed to family priorities, including his son Crew with his wife Jena, and a challenging year that included a publicly announced miscarriage in October 2025, as factors influencing his career decisions.

“Family has always guided Brooks’ decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home,” his management team stated. LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil also clarified that Koepka’s exit was not related to performance, tension, or politics.

READ: Rory McIlroy confirms reason wife Erica Stoll missed his lat

The TGL joint venture between McIlroy and Woods continues to gather steam, with potential buyers even expressing interest in acquiring expansion franchises beyond the league’s seven teams. The tech-savvy league is based entirely in South Florida, approximately a 17-minute drive from Koepka’s hometown of West Palm Beach.

Koepka resides in Pennock Point, a $9 million waterfront property in Jupiter, situating him less than an hour from the venue and solidly within the same South Florida ecosystem that already includes Woods, McIlroy, and several other top-tier players.

TGL’s schedule fits perfectly with Koepka’s desire to remain close to home, while its television-friendly format suits his requirements. PGA Tour regulations bar players who defect to the rival circuit from competing for one year following their last appearance, making Koepka immediately ineligible.

The PGA Tour responded to the development, stating: “Brooks Koepka is a highly accomplished professional, and we wish him and his family continued success.”

Although no official agreement has been confirmed, fans have already started piecing together clues online, noting that limited options would enable Koepka to maintain proximity to home while remaining involved in elite-level competition.

Speculation heated up earlier this year after Koepka was seen attending a TGL match last February where The Bay Golf Club topped Woods’ Jupiter Links Golf Club. Koepka attracted attention by rising to his feet and applauding Kevin Kisner following a shank shot recognized as the league’s first.

Koepka joined LIV Golf in 2022 through a deal estimated at around $100 million. Despite being contracted through 2026, he departed prior to completing his final season. He led Smash GC as captain but will now be succeeded by Talor Gooch.

TGL’s compensation model included a $21 million prize pool in Season 1, with the championship team collecting $9 million by season’s end. With four players per team, individual payouts exceeded $2 million for each member.

Last year, Atlanta Drive Golf Club triumphed over New York Golf Club 2-0 in the best-of-three finals to clinch the title. The team is composed of Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, and Lucas Glover.

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Rory McIlroy confirms reason wife Erica Stoll missed his lat

By Admin December 23, 2025

Rory McIlroy confirms reason wife Erica Stoll missed his latest award win

Rory McIlroy has disclosed that his wife, Erica Stoll, and daughter, Poppy, were absent for his BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 triumph. He revealed that the duo remained in the United States while the golf icon is scheduled to reunite with them on Friday following his festivities in Salford.

McIlroy wrapped up an incredible 2025 with one last accolade, defeating contenders including F1 world champion Lando Norris and darts phenom Luke Littler. The Northern Irishman finally captured the Masters this year to achieve a career Grand Slam before contributing to Europe’s triumph in the Ryder Cup.

READ: Tiger Woods’ next role comes alongside an unlikely wingman

The 36 year old, alongside Tommy Fleetwood, also received the Team of the Year honor during a triumphant evening. McIlroy honored his fellow contenders and family while acknowledging the influence Erica and Poppy had on his remarkable year.

“First of all I’d like to congratulate the other finalists, I know how much hard work and dedication it takes,” said McIlroy on stage. “It’s a pleasure just to be in this room and I feel honoured just to be a part, so congratulations.

“Look 2025 was the year I made my dreams come true, from Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything in between. It really has been the year that dreams are made of.”, reports the Mirror.

“I have a lot of people to thank, firstly the public for voting for me, but my family, my mum and dad. They sacrificed so much for me and I wouldn’t be here without them. Thank you.

“My wife Erica, my daughter Poppy. They’re what holds me together, they’re my rock.

Rory McIlroy won the 2025 Sports Personality of the Year award

“They couldn’t be here tonight, they are back in America, but I can’t wait to get back to see them tomorrow and celebrate with them. I can’t wait to see you, I love you.”

Before the award announcement, McIlroy was asked about how fatherhood has shifted his perspective.

He expressed his deep respect for Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, two fathers who ran the London Marathon in memory of their daughters, Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King, who tragically lost their lives at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in Southport in July 2024.

“I think being a father of a little girl, seeing the dads up there tonight, they are absolute heroes,” said McIlroy.

“Being a dad, it makes the losses a lot easier. It makes the wins even more special to be able to share that with Erica [wife] and Poppy [daughter].

“My family, they’ve watched me go through all of this like I’m sure a lot of the public has. I feel like everyone’s been on this journey with me.”

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Why Rory McIlroy urged wife Erica Stoll to ‘punch’ him over Mast

By Admin November 27, 2025

Rory McIlroy urged wife Erica Stoll to ‘punch’ him over Masters problem

Golf icon Rory McIlroy jokingly told his wife, Erica Stoll, to “punch” him if he ever complained about wearing his first-ever green jacket.

Last April, McIlroy barely beat Justin Rose in a sudden-death playoff at Hole 18 of Augusta National to claim victory in his 11th try at completing the career Grand Slam — an achievement that only Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have managed in the Masters era.

In the months following the major career achievement, golf enthusiasts from around the globe have naturally requested to see McIlroy’s Green Jacket — though the Northern Irishman isn’t always eager to slip on the coveted prize.

READ: Rory McIlroy’s three-word message to wife Erica Stoll summed up h

“I was in India a few weeks ago and I was in the Middle East the last two weeks and most places you go, if you’re doing events, the people want to see the green jacket,” McIlroy shared while speaking on CNBC’s CEO Council Forum.

“So you bring the green jacket with you, and sometimes, you don’t want to wear it, you know. You don’t want to.”

McIlroy finally won his first Masters this year to complete his career grand slam

After realizing he was grumbling about the hard-to-get memento he’d chased throughout his career, McIlroy made an unusual request to Erica.

“I sort of complained about wearing it in Abu Dhabi. And I said to my wife, ‘Erica, if you ever hear me complain about wearing this thing again, like punch me or do something,'” he said.

“‘Because I’ve waited my whole life to wear this, and I’m complaining about wearing it.'” McIlroy faced a series of challenges on his journey to securing the green jacket, including a late “inexcusable” collapse on Day 1 and a missed putt on the final hole of the last round that could have forced a playoff.

After sinking the tournament-winning putt in sudden death, McIlroy couldn’t hold back the emotions that had been building throughout the tumultuous weekend. The 36 year old immediately fell to his knees and yelled towards the sky, clearly relieved to finally conquer the Masters.

Reflecting on the memorable moment, McIlroy admitted that he still finds it hard to hold back tears. “If I watch that final scene on the 18th green and I drop to my knees, it’s still hard for me not to cry,” he confessed.

“Whatever it is, eight or nine months on, it’s just so hard for me not to feel those emotions again.

“But if you want something for so long and so badly, and you end up doing it, you dream about doing it, but you don’t dream about what comes next.

“Honestly, like I’ve dreamt about that moment for so long, and it lived up to everything I thought it would be, and more.”

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Rory McIlroy’s three-word message to wife Erica Stoll summed up h

By Admin November 26, 2025

Rory McIlroy’s three-word message to wife Erica Stoll summed up his year

Rory McIlroy’s golf year ended with a straightforward thought after the Ryder Cup that pretty much encapsulated everything he’s experienced and endured during the 2025 PGA Tour season.

Just after Team Europe secured the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, McIlroy turned toward his wife, Erica Stoll, and said, “What a year.” While simple, the message carried weight after he had earlier accomplished a long-chased goal during the Masters under pressure from fans, media, and himself during the ride.

The short phrase was the smallest, unfiltered window into how he experienced 2025 in its entirety.

READ: The one that got away! Tiger Woods in deep conversation with ex-wife as they

McIlory’s season hit all emotions seconds after Shane Lowry’s clinching putt dropped and lifted Europe past the United States.

McIlroy’s message to Stoll came just before American spectators went as far as throwing a drink at Erica on the 17th hole. He said the behavior was unacceptable and insisted that golf should hold itself to a higher standard, and his stance drew support from golfers across the PGA Tour and from ESPN’s Mike Greenberg.

Greenberg stated that the environment crossed the line for a sport rooted in decorum and that such actions did not represent typical Americans. He also mentioned he had to watch parts of the broadcast with the sound off and even turned it off entirely because of the behavior of Team USA fans.

McIlroy played a crucial role for Europe despite losing his singles match to Scottie Scheffler.

He contributed to team victories, including the four-ball match where he and Shane Lowry defeated Justin Thomas and Cameron Young. His point total by the end of the event moved him past Tony Jacklin on the all-time Ryder Cup list.

McIlroy’s 2025 season featured a Masters victory in April, the long-sought moment that finally completed his Career Grand Slam. Some fans argued that the win alone justified the words he delivered to Erica.

Others pointed toward Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph as validation for how he defined his year. The Irish golfer did not win another PGA Tour tournament after Augusta, but he ended the year with over $16 million in earnings, thanks to three victories, including the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the PLAYERS Championship, and the Masters.

He missed just one cut at the RBC Canadian Open, where he shot a 78 in the second round.

McIlory was consistently at the top of the leaderboards throughout the season. His win at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am saw him shoot a total of 266 over four rounds, finishing 21-under, and earning $3.6 million.

His early schedule involved finishing in the top 20 at The Genesis Invitational, tying for 15th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational with a score of 285, and winning the PLAYERS Championship with a score of 276, earning an additional $4.5 million.

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Ryder Cup treatment: Rory McIlroy reveals he and wife Erica recei

By Admin November 8, 2025

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy has disclosed that he received a personal letter of contrition from Derek Sprague, the PGA of America’s chief executive, following distressing incidents during Europe’s triumph at the Ryder Cup in New York.

The four-time major champion and his spouse Erica endured hostile treatment from spectators at Bethpage Black, with one supporter hurling a beer that struck Mrs McIlroy’s headwear.

Speaking whilst preparing for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, McIlroy characterised the correspondence as a “lovely letter” that demonstrated genuine remorse for the unsavoury episodes.

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The incidents occurred as Europe successfully defended their lead against a spirited American resurgence in the final session of the competition.

The golfer revealed to BBC Sport that Sprague’s electronic correspondence was particularly meaningful given their existing relationship.

“Erica worked with Derek at the PGA of America back in the day, so we know Derek and his wife pretty well,” McIlroy explained.

The Northern Irishman emphasised the sincerity of the message, stating: “He couldn’t have been more gracious or apologetic and he wrote us a lovely letter, which we really appreciated.”

This personal connection between the McIlroys and Sprague added weight to the apology, transforming what might have been a perfunctory gesture into a genuine expression of regret for the troubling behaviour witnessed during the competition.

The hostile atmosphere at Bethpage Black saw Luke Donald’s squad subjected to sustained verbal attacks throughout the three-day contest.

American supporters particularly focused their ire on McIlroy, who later remarked: “I take it as a compliment that they targeted me, but then at the same time, it was a tough week.”

Despite Europe entering the final day with a commanding 12-5 advantage, the home crowd’s fervour intensified as their team mounted a singles comeback that ultimately fell short at 15-13.

American captain Keegan Bradley declined to criticise what he termed “passionate” supporters.

McIlroy, however, believed the antagonistic environment had paradoxically strengthened European resolve: “That made us better as a team. It galvanised us and it really put our arms around each other.”

McIlroy had previously articulated his disappointment with the crowd’s conduct, asserting: “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 36-year-old emphasised the sport’s unique values, declaring that golf “teaches you etiquette” and “how to respect people,” qualities he felt were absent during portions of the competition.

Now focused on concluding an exceptional campaign, McIlroy reflected on his achievements since January, including victories at the Masters, Players Championship, Pebble Beach Pro-Am and Irish Open.

“Honestly, in my wildest dreams, I didn’t know. I mean, I knew a year like this was possible, but it has just been an amazing 10 months,” he remarked.

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Erica’s last laugh: Rory McIlroy’s wife grabs a champagne glass to

By Admin October 31, 2025

Erica’s last laugh: Rory McIlroy’s wife grabs a champagne glass to sing about abusive USA fans

Rory McIlroy‘s wife, Erica Stoll, has had the last laugh after enduring three days of vile abuse from rowdy spectators at the Ryder Cup.

Stoll had beer thrown at her and was repeatedly made the butt of jokes, with nothing seemingly off limits for the New York crowd, who even mocked McIlroy’s decision to call off filing for divorce from Stoll in June last year.

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On Saturday she was reportedly reduced to tears by the flood of vitriol directed her way, with McIlroy stepping in to tell the crowd to ‘shut the f*** up’.

McIlroy and Team Europe ultimately had the last laugh, edging a 15-13 victory in a nerve-shredding final day at Bethpage Black on Sunday.

The celebrations on the team bus afterwards made it clear how the Northern Irishman’s teammates felt about the result.

In one clip filmed by Justin Rose’s caddie, Mark Fulcher, players performed their version of ‘Zombie’ by The Cranberries in honour of the Masters champion. ‘He’s in your head, in your head…. Rory, Rory, Rory’ is the refrain as McIlroy’s team-mates surround him in unison.

Stoll is pictured with a champagne glass in hand, joyously belting out the lyrics to show how McIlroy had got into the heads of the United States fans in a moment of sweet revenge.

The Team Europe stars even praised Stoll for not allowing her personal struggles to become a distraction ahead of Sunday’s victory.

‘I actually had no idea that Erica had a beer thrown at her yesterday, so fair play to Erica, she didn’t bring that to the team room, we didn’t make that a big deal,’ Justin Rose said.

‘It’s news to me, which says a lot about the strength of Erica and everybody in this team today.’

Shane Lowry added: ‘I was out there for two days with Erica McIlroy and the amount of abuse that she received was astonishing.

‘The way she was out there supporting her husband and supporting her team was unbelievable and kudos to her for that.’

McIlroy and Stoll met at the 2012 Ryder Cup, when McIlroy was in a relationship with tennis player Caroline Wozniacki and Stoll was working for the PGA of America.

At that Ryder Cup, Stoll was a PGA transport official who helped arrange a police escort for McIlroy to get to the course on time after he misread his tee-time.

Two years later, and following a three-year relationship and brief engagement to Wozniacki, McIlroy began dating Stoll. The two married in 2017 and welcomed their daughter, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy, in 2020.

After years of keeping his family life largely private, McIlroy filed for divorce in May 2024, three days before the start of the PGA Championship, and played without his wedding ring.

A month later he decided to dismiss the divorce, telling The Guardian: ‘Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning’.

Stoll, who is two years McIlroy’s senior, is from Irondequoit, New York, 400 miles from Bethpage Black.

The abuse directed at McIlroy included frequent jibes about his relationship with Stoll, with one fan shouting ‘How’s your divorce going?’, according to Golfweek.

Another referred to Wozniacki when they reportedly shouted: ‘Your ex is looking for you.’

The hostilities reached boiling point at the 17th green on Saturday when a fan hurled beer in Stoll’s direction, with the alcohol hitting her hat. In the ensuing melee Stoll looked around in shock, as if to see where the projectile had come from.

McIlroy appeared to ask if she was okay and shepherded her away from the throng. He later admitted that he was ‘drained’ by the end of the day, while Erica was said to be crying.

The Northern Irishman offered reassurances as he and the team celebrated their triumph.

‘Erica is fine. She is a very, very strong woman,’ he said. ‘She handled everything this week with poise and dignity like she always has and I love her and we’re going to have a good time celebrating tonight.’

He added: ‘I think if I was an American, I would be annoyed. I didn’t hear a lot of shouts for Scottie today, but I heard a lot of shouts against me. Support your players. That’s the thing.’

McIlroy also took the opportunity to criticise the behaviour seen in the galleries throughout the week.

‘I don’t think we should ever accept that in golf,’ he said. ‘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.

‘But you know, we will be making sure to say to our fans in Ireland in 2027 that what happened here this week is not acceptable, and for me, it’s… you know, come and support your home team. Come and support your team.’

Europe went into the final day with a seemingly unassailable lead of 11.5-4.5, meaning it would take a record comeback for the USA to recover.

But the hosts gave it their all at Bethpage Black on the final day and scored a record-equalling 8.5 points to nearly complete a historic comeback.

Team Europe clung on to win 15-13, taking their 11th Ryder Cup out of the last 15 and their second out of the last four on American soil.

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