Rory McIlroy is noticed for the primary time since submitting for divorce

Rory McIlroy has been spotted for the first time since he reportedly filed for divorce from his wife, as he practiced for the PGA Championship on Tuesday afternoon.

The Northern Irishman was seen teeing off at the Louisville course following the news that he and his wife of seven years, Erica Stoll, had split.

McIlroy and Stoll were married seven years ago.

McIlroy’s communications team confirmed that a divorce has been filed. 

The 2024 PGA Championship will start on Thursday, with McIlroy teeing off at 1:15pm local time.

Rory McIlroy is seen for the first time since news of his divorce broke on Tuesday afternoon

The Northern Irishman and Stoll tied the knot in 2017 (pictured at the 2023 Ryder Cup)

McIlroy practiced on the driving range ahead of the PGA Championship on Thursday

McIlroy looks on during his practice session at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky

He will play alongside Dustin Johnson and Justin Rose. 

The couple shares a three-year-old daughter Poppy who was born in 2020.

McIlroy’s communications team stressed his ‘desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible.’

The golfer will not be issuing any further comment. 

McIlroy first met Erica during the 2012 Ryder Cup, which she was working for the PGA.

However, it wasn’t until a few years later that the pair would enter a relationship.

McIlroy was previously engaged to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki before they split in 2014.

The four-time major champion and Stoll kept their relationship largely private before they married in in Ireland in 2017.