Balionis looks sensational in bikini as she misses McIlroy's heartache (2024)

• Gary Stonehouse, Sports Reporter

The following year, the golf ace began dating Erica Stoll, who he had first met on the PGA Tour in 2011.

Erica often interacted with players through her role as the PGA’s manager of championship volunteer operations.

She even prevented McIlroy from missing his tee time at the 2012 Ryder Cup after some confusion over the time zone.

The incident began a firm friendship between the pair, four years before their relationship turned romantic.

McIlroy and Erica were spotted on a string of dates in Rochester, New York, in the early days of their relationship.

Just eight months later, the couple got engaged in Paris and walked down the aisle at Ashford Castle in Ireland in 2017.

The pair then welcomed daughter Poppy into the world three years later.

Throughout their time together, McIlroy and Erica have kept their relationship to themselves, with the golfer keen to protect his family from the cameras during filming of Netflix’s Full Swing documentary series.

However, after seven years of marriage, McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica.

The reasons for the divorce were not disclosed, but the Northern Irishman submitted documents to a court in Florida.

However, a few weeks later, performed a U-turn on their decision to divorce.

McIlroy told the outlet: "Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”

Rory McIlroy spent more than 100 weeks at World No1 - and has scooped four Majors and won 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 ace added the PGA Championship the following year - adding 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 endorsem*nt 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.