Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll theory emerges during break from golf after US Open

Golf legend Colin Montgomerie has suggested Rory McIlroy’s recent personal troubles with his wife Erica Stoll might have played a role in his devastating U.S. Open downfall.

The 35-year-old golf star, who had been yearning for a major win after a decade, recently announced he is taking a short break from golf following the crushing blow at Pinehurst No.2 last weekend. McIlroy was on the verge of clinching the title when he faltered at the final hurdle.

He missed critical putts that allowed Bryson DeChambeau to come from behind and steal the championship right out from under him. McIlroy, clearly crushed, left the course before the ceremony commenced.

Only days earlier, McIlroy had shared news of a reconciliation with Stoll, citing their efforts to mend their relationship. The U-turn came just a few weeks after it emerged they had filed for divorce.

EXCLUSIVE: Rory McIlroy “doesn’t listen to anyone” as ex-agent speaks out after caddie fire demand
READ MORE: Rory McIlroy with wife Erica Stoll for first time after divorce U-turn hours after U.S. Open disaster

With the disastrous end to the U.S. Open happening so close to this personal news, Montgomerie, who himself is a five-time second-place finisher in majors and a past Ryder Cup captain, expressed his belief on The Sports Agents podcast that McIlroy’s off-the-course issues likely weighed heavily on his mind during the contest.

Montgomerie, speaking of the strain of going through a rocky period in one’s marriage, commented: “It’s bad enough going through a divorce,” and pointed out the sheer difficulty of maintaining focus on something as demanding as navigating a challenging golf course.

Describing the tournament venue, he stated: “This isn’t a course with birdies galore. This is a course which is a demanding emotional rollercoaster going up and down. It’s an incredible golf course to play on but it’s so tough to mentally get through.

“Yes, he was divorced one week and then they were trying to patch it up next week, very publicly. The 10 years of hurt and the scarring that’s been going on in Rory’s life for the last 10 years to try and win a major, there’s a huge distraction coming up with two ahead with five to go, this was his best opportunity within those 10 years to win this.”

Montgomerie expressed his thoughts on McIlroy’s performance, saying: “I felt it all came out, not just on hole 18 but on hole 16 when that was a very short putt, when that was two and a half feet.

“There was a statistic that came up which said he had holed 490 odd in a row and that he hadn’t missed under three foot this season. Then of course there is the two and a half footer misses. You’ve got to put that down to- that’s not coincidence. You have to put that down to what’s happening in his head.”

McIlroy himself confirmed his decision to take a break from golf shortly after the tournament, posting on social media: “I’m going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and build myself back up for my defence of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon. See you in Scotland.”