RORY MCILROY has spoken out for the first time since filing for divorce from wife Erica Stoll.

News broke yesterday that the golfer, 35, submitted legal documents to the courts in Florida on Monday to end his marriage after seven years.

The paperwork described their marriage as “irretrievably broken”.

McIlroy’s shock split from Erica came in the days between winning the Wells Fargo at Quail Hollow on Sunday and the start of the PGA Championship at Valhalla tomorrow.

The Northern Irishman was spotted on the driving range on Tuesday having removed his wedding ring as he joked around with friends and appeared in a relaxed mood ahead of the year’s second major.

But speaking at the site of his fourth and most recent major win a decade ago, McIlroy refused to be quizzed about the bombshell break-up.

The media officer hosting the press conference in Kentucky warned journalists McIlroy would not be taking any questions about his personal life.

But asked how he is feeling going into the prestigious tournament, a defiant McIlroy simply said: “I’m ready to play this week.”

He added: “I feel good, I am coming to a venue where I’ve had some success at before.”

Rory and Erica met when he overslept at the 2012 Ryder Cup and she arranged a police escort to get him to the first tee in time.

The golfer was dating Danish tennis ace Caroline Wozniacki at the time but he called off their engagement in 2014 after sending out the wedding invitations.

McIlroy started dating former PGA employee Stoll in 2015, proposing in Paris in December of that year.

They married in 2017 – joined by a star-studded guest list – and welcomed their baby daughter Poppy three years later.

Erica was in attendance at the Ryder Cup in Rome last autumn, cheering on her husband as he inspired Europe to an emphatic win over the USA.

However, McIlroy hinted at trouble in his relationship with Erica with a subtle clue on Sunday.

During a TV interview after his fourth Wells Fargo, he heaped praise on mum Rosie for Mother’s Day in the USA but did not mention his daughter’s mother Erica.

The split was confirmed by the world No2’s representatives who told SunSport: “Rory McIlroy’s communications team confirmed today that a divorce has been filed.

“They stressed Rory’s desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible.”

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