SWINGIN IT
Rory McIlroy seen without wedding ring for first time hours after news of shock divorce from wife Erica Stoll
Golfer's split could actually prove to be a good omen
RORY MCILROY has been spotted without his wedding ring hours after filing for divorce.
The four-time major winner submitted documents to a court in Florida on Monday in relation to divorcing Erica Stoll.
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McIlroy made an appearance at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky for a practice round ahead of the PGA Championship, which begins on Thursday.
But there was no ring on his finger as he made his way around the 18 holes, and he was seen laughing and joking with his caddy.
McIlroy, 35, has asked for respect and privacy after filing for divorce, while he has asked the court to enforce the couple’s prenuptial agreement and to implement a shared parenting plan.
The Northern Ireland hero McIlroy and 36-year-old Erica married in 2017 and welcomed daughter Poppy three years later.
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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.
McIlroy will be aiming to repeat the trick this week as he bids to end his 10-year drought without a major.
He has had the perfect warm up for the tournament, on the grass at least, by winning the Wells Fargo Championship last week with an incredible 17 under - pocketing £16million in the process.
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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 fourth Wells Fargo Championship last week, 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."
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McIlroy first met American Erica first met in 2011 when she was working for the 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 seen for first time since filing for divorce from wife Erica as he looks to repeat post-Wozniacki feat
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.
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