Rory McIlroy's marriage to Erica Stoll is the subject of discussion in a new book from Alan Shipnuck.
The book, titled: Rory: The Heartache and Triumph of Golf's Most Human Superstar,' was released last month (March 31), and shines a light on the golfer's marriage to Erica Stoll, which nearly came to an end when Rory filed for divorce in 2024.
However, in a major turn of events, Rory McIlroy changed his mind, later saying that their "nest future is as a family together".
"There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumour is a fool's game", McIlroy saidat the time. "Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together".
While Rory McIlroy has remained coy over what exactly happened, Alan Shipnuck has drawn his own conclusion as to why the couple nearly pulled the plug on their marriage, which began in 2017.
The "rumours" that McIlroy was referring to may include reports that he had an affair with reporter and journalist Amanda Balionis, following claims that they had been flirting live on air.
Alan's book certainly hints that maybe a third party was involved in the couple's near split, even though both Erica and Rory have remained tight-lipped on the matter. The writer will also recall how Rory and Erica met at the Ryder Cup in 2012, at a time when he was dating tennis pro, Caroline Wozniacki.
McIlroy was reportedly escorted to the first tee, having been running late, claiming to be confused by the differing time zones.
But Alan's book states that this was not the case, with one source saying that "He (Rory) was throwing every ounce of game he had at Erica...It was not subtle. It became a running joke among a few of us: 'Has Rory closed the deal yet?".
Word soon spread about how allegedly smitten Rory and Erica were. By 2013, Rory called off his engagement to Caroline Wozniacki.
While there is no evidence to suggest that Rory had been unfaithful when he was engaged to the former tennis World Number one, Alan Shipnuck's book draws its own conclusion as to why he nearly split up with Erica.
It is Alan's belief, according to his book that this divorce and later retraction say more about Erica than it does about her husband.
"If you are an internationally famous athlete heading toward becoming a billionaire, it is probably unwise to file for divorce unless you are one million per cent certain there is zero chance to save the marriage...But McIlroy's life has been defined by impetuousness, on the golf course and in matters of business and romance".
Alan also writes that this was all "part of the game" and that his "recklessness is part of what makes him appealing".
The book also touches on McIlroy's life, his rise to fame, and his life on the golf course too.
Back in December, Rory McIlroy paid tribute to his wife after being crowned Sports Personality of the Year. More on this story here.
