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Why Rory McIlroy’s Wife Seemed ‘Subdued’ As He Made History at The Masters
Rory McIlroy’s victory at the Masters was a career-defining moment. After 17 Masters starts and 11 years of trying to complete a career Grand Slam, he finally got his green jacket. But as he embraced his wife, Erica Stoll, on the Augusta fairways, her response to his affection raised some eyebrows. Why did Stoll seem “subdued” as her husband made golf history?
Rory McIlroy Filed for Divorce and Called It Off in 2024
In May 2024, McIlroy served Stoll with divorce papers after seven years of marriage. According to documents obtained by Page Six, the 35-year-old golfer claimed in the filing that the marriage was “irretrievably broken.”
His rep made it clear that McIlroy didn’t want to make any further comments about the split in order to keep things “as respectful and amicable as possible.” At the same time, rumors started to swirl that McIlroy had already moved on and was romantically involved with CBS sports reporter Amanda Balionis.
It was confirmed that the 29-time PGA Tour winner submitted a notice of voluntary dismissal to a court where McIlroy and Stoll live in Palm Beach County, Florida, along with their four-year-old daughter, Poppy. But then, just one month later, he called off the divorce.
Erica Stoll Was ‘Subdued’ After Her Husband’s Win, Claims Body Language Expert
Despite the difficult past year, Stoll was by McIlroy’s side after his big win, offering support. The couple shared a sweet moment with a hug. During his victory speech, McIlroy praised his wife and daughter, whom he referred to as his “team.”
“They’ve been on this journey with me the whole way through. They know the burden that I’ve carried to be able to come here every year and try and try and try again,” the Northern Ireland golfer said.
But his excitement for the historic moment was contrasted by Stoll’s “subdued” reaction. Body language expert Judi James analyzed the scene and explained to The Daily Mail that Stoll was “more polite and tempered” as she hugged her man and shed some tears.
“Erica uses back pats, which are firstly a gesture of gentle affection but which also usually signal a desire to break from an embrace, while Rory appears much more clingy,” James noted.
“Rory looks overwhelmed and clingy, while Erica’s response appears a little more polite, subdued, and tempered.”
Amanda Bailonis Celebrates Rory McIlroy’s Victory
So, why was Stoll so subdued after McIlroy’s win? It’s possible that Stoll isn’t quite over the brief split in her marriage. Especially since the woman that McIlroy supposedly dated during the separation interviewed him this past week at Augusta, and posted about the win on social media.
Balionis posted a photo of their sit-down on Instagram and wrote in the caption, “It took 17 Masters starts, 11 years of attempting to complete the career Grand Slam and 73 this week but Rory McIlroy has his Green Jacket and has solidified his legacy alongside Tiger, Jack, Gary, Hogan and Sarazen. What a week and a battle down to the very end.”
Fans immediately rushed to the comment section to point out how “awkward” and “wrong” this whole situation was. McIlroy himself even made a statement about his marriage troubles before the tournament began.
“There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumor is a fool’s game,” the athlete told the Guardian.“Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
