BACK ON COURSE
Rory McIlroy seen for first time since filing for divorce from wife Erica as he looks to repeat post-Wozniacki feat
Golf legend tries to get in the swing for Major, 24 hours after reportedly submitting court documents
RORY McILROY has been seen in public for the first time since filing for divorce - as he practises for this week's PGA Championship.
The golf legend stared straight ahead as he was caught on camera between shots while focusing on his game at the Valhalla driving range in Kentucky.
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The four-time major winner, 35, submitted documents to a court in Florida on Monday in relation to divorcing Erica Stoll.
When contacted by , his representatives said: “Rory McIlroy’s communications team confirmed today that a divorce has been filed.
"They stressed Rory’s desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible. He will not be making any further comment.”
The three-page divorce petition also confirmed that McIlroy has asked the court to enforce the couple’s prenuptial agreement and to implement a shared parenting plan.
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The Northern Ireland hero McIlroy and 36-year-old Erica married in 2017 and welcomed daughter Poppy three years later.
The former world No1, who is worth an estimated £200million, appeared to have plenty on his mind as he was watched by a small group of fans at Valhalla.
Ten years ago McIlroy soothed his split from then-fiancée Caroline Wozniacki by immediately winning the PGA Championship.
He came from seven shots behind 54-hole Wentworth leader Thomas Bjorn to triumph by a single shot.
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WHY DIVORCE PAIN COULD BE GOOD OMEN
By JAMIE GORDON
WHEN Rory McIlroy and ex-fiancee Caroline Wozniacki split in 2014, the superstar went on to win the PGA Champinship.
.After announcing the news just before the tournament then, he said "I'm no different from anyone else.
"Everyone has been through breakups, and it's obviously very, very difficult.
"But I'm here to try and concentrate on this week and answer questions about golf, and that's what I'm going to do."
McIlroy will hope he can follow a similar mentality this week as he looks to snap a Major drought.
He has not won since his PGA triumph ten years ago despite a series of near misses.
After winning a , he said: "I've been sort of banging this drum for the last few years, but I'm a way better player now than I was back then.
"I haven't had the Major record to back that up, but I've had the wins.
"I've done everything else there is to do in the game since 2014.
"The only thing I need to do is get another Major.
"You know, a win like this going into the PGA Championship next week is a good way to prep for that."
McIlroy first met American Erica first met in 2011 when she was working for PGA at the Ryder Cup as manager of Championship Volunteer Operations.
The following year he made bizarre headlines when he was late to the course after his alarm failed to go off.
Rory McIlroy files for divorce from wife Erica
Erica arranged a police escort for him, allowing the star to tee off on time as Team Europe completed the "Miracle at Medinah" Ryder Cup victory over the USA.
She began dating McIlroy in 2015.
The couple appeared keen to keep their relationship out of the limelight, before marrying two years later.
Little is known about Erica's personal life but it's thought she loves sailing as well as baking.
RORY'S CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS
RORY MCILROY spent more than 100 weeks at World No1 - scooping four majors and winning 40 tournaments in all SO FAR.
Only all-time greats Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have matched his feat of winning one of the big four by the age of 25.
And after winning the 2011 US Open, the Northern Ireland great added the PGA Championship the following year - adding plus the Open and PGA crowns in 2014.
Here's a rundown on the glittering career of the 35-year-old, five-time Ryder Cup winner, who was also a strong critic of the rival Saudi-backed LIV tour.
2007 - topped the world amateur rankings aged 17.
Turned professional in September.
Became the youngest Affiliate Member in the history of The European Tour to earn a tour card.
2009 - reached the world top 50.
2010 - won his first PGA Tour title via the Quail Hollow Championship.
Made a winning Ryder Cup debut.
Became the youngest player to reach $10m earnings on the PGA Tour.
2011 - Famously blew a four-stroke lead on the final day of the Masters in May.
But won his first major the following month - the US Open.
Named Sports Person of the year by RTE - Ireland's main broadcaster.
2012 - lifted the PGA Championship.
Named PGA Tour player of the year and picked up more Ryder Cup glory.
2013 - signed a huge sponsorship deal with Nike.
2014 - his best year to date, majors wise.
Won the Open at Royal Liverpool.
Then clinched back-to-back PGA crowns, beating Phil Mickelson by one stroke.
Named RTE Sports Person of the year for a second time.
Again helped Europe win the Ryder Cup.
2016 - Ended the season winning the Tour championship, putting him top of the FedEx Cup and landing him the $10m bonus pool.
Suffered Ryder Cup defeat.
2017 - failed to win all year.
But gained top 10 finishes at the Masters, The Open and 3 WGC events.
And with Nike largely withdrawing from the golf market, he landed an £80m endorsement deal with TaylorMade.
2018 - More Ryder Cup joy.
2020 Overtook Brooks Koepka to become World No1
2021 - A Ryder Cup loser.
2022 - runners-up at the Masters and finished third at the Open.
2023 - helped Europe thrash the USA 16.5-11.5 in the Ryder Cup.
2024 - struggled early in the season, finishing just joint-22nd in the Masters.
But then won two tournaments - the Zurich Classic for his 25th PGA title and the Wells Fargo Championship.