Rory McIlroy joined by spouse Erica at Augusta for Masters Par 3 Contest as golf star gears up for title protection
The McIlroy clan were out in full force to support the Northern Irishman at the Masters Par 3 Contest on Wednesday afternoon.
Walking the grounds of Augusta National, Erica Stoll was pictured caddying for her husband, defending champion Rory McIlroy.
Clad in the iconic white caddie jumpsuit, Stoll looked at ease as she joined McIlroy and fellow Irishman Shane Lowry on the course.
The couple appeared in good spirits as they made their way across the fairway on the 1st hole of the afternoon, while spectators cheered McIlroy from just a few feet away.
McIlroy and Stoll also made sure to pose for a picture alongside their daughter, Poppy, as they enjoyed a day out in Augusta.
The public appearance comes after news that a revealing new book about the life of the Masters champion is set to be released.
Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll were in good spirits as they walked round Augusta National
Clad in the iconic white caddie jumpsuit, Stoll looked at ease as she joined McIlroy
The widely respected Alan Shipnuck’s ‘Rory: The Heartache and Triumph of Golf’s Most Human Superstar’ reveals how Stoll became a ‘neo-Elin’ – a reference to Tiger Woods‘ first wife, Elin Nordegren, who Woods admitted cheating on throughout his rise to the top of the game.
While accusations of that extent have never been leveled at McIlroy, the couple nearly divorced in May 2024 amid rumors McIlroy was seeing golf reporter Amanda Balionis.
The storm contributed to Erica shunning the spotlight, repeatedly declining to do interviews or visiting McIlroy on tour and instead staying at home with their daughter, Poppy, the book says.
Meanwhile, the annual Masters Champions Dinner was held at the Augusta National clubhouse on Tuesday – where reigning champion McIlroy picked the menu.
Appetizers included some trendy, regional options like Grilled Elk Sliders as well as Peach and Ricotta Flatbread, while there were several classic dishes offered as well.
These included yellowfin tuna carpaccio and a choice of wagyu filet mignon or seared salmon. The menu could best be described as eclectic.
There was one dish that represented McIlroy’s native Ireland, a mashed potato recipe known as traditional Irish champ. However, the reigning Masters champ was admittedly hesitant to include too many selections from the Emerald Isle.
McIlroy and Stoll also made sure to pose for a picture alongside their daughter, Poppy
‘People keep asking me, ‘Why didn’t you go more Irish?’ the 36-year-old married father said at a press conference on Tuesday. ‘And I said, ‘Because I want to enjoy the dinner as well.”
For dessert, there were toffee pudding and ice cream options, as well as a drink menu that included a 1989 Chateau d’Yquem, Sauternes, Bordeaux that goes for $650 a bottle.
And as always, the host and reigning champion foots the bill for the dinner – one of many distinctions that has made the event a highlight of the golf calendar.
McIlroy had vowed to recognize both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson during Tuesday’s dinner, with both of the notable names absent from this year’s tournament.
