Rory McIlroy makes Erica Stoll declaration after 'difficult year' for couple ends on high

Rory McIlroy celebrated with his wife, Erica Stoll and daughter, Poppy after winning both the DP World Tour Championship and Race to Dubai crown at the Earth Course on Sunday.

McIlroy's victory at the season-ending event was the third of his career, and helped him become Race to Dubai champion for the sixth time, equalling the record of European stalwart, Seve Ballesteros. The 35-year-old carded a three-under-par 69 in Sunday's final round to see off Rasmus Hojgaard by two shots.

It brings to an end a topsy-turvy year for McIlroy, who has endured his fair share of struggles, no more so than at the US Open in June, where he squandered a two-shot lead with four holes to play, losing to Bryson DeChambeau.

His collapse at Pinehurst ensured his wait for a fifth major championship will enter an 11th year, a record that continues to hang over his head. Near-misses at both the Irish Open and BMW PGA Championship followed, before he was able to finally become a winner again in Dubai this week.

Away from the golf course, McIlroy has also found things tough too. In May it was revealed that the six-time Race to Dubai champion filed for divorce from his wife Erica, with the announcement of the break down of their marriage coming the week of the PGA Championship.

Just one month later however, McIlroy revealed the proposed divorce was now off, with the pair working on rebuilding their marriage with their daughter. "There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate," McIlroy said in a statement in the summer.

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"Responding to each rumour is a fool’s game. Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.” Since then McIlroy has made a number of public appearances alongside his wife.

And Erica and Poppy were their to congratulate him as he made his way off the course in Dubai on Sunday. Making his way from the 18th green, McIlroy was able to give his young daughter a big hug in celebration, before embracing with Stoll as the pair shared a kiss.

McIlroy then returned to the 18th green a while later for the post-tournament presentation, and paid tribute to his family telling Erica and Poppy: "I love you," during his victory speech. In the immediate aftermath an emotional McIlroy revealed what he had been through this year.

"Yeah It means a lot," he declared. "I've been through a lot this year professionally, personally. It feels like the fitting end to 2024. You know, yeah, look, I've persevered this year a lot. Had close calls. Wasn't able to get it done... Really pleased with the way I finished and thankfully I hung on on a tough day and got it done."