Rory McIlroy notably omitted his wife Erica Stoll when discussing his "close-knit support system" during a post-Masters victory interview with CBS Sports' Amanda Balionis.
The Northern Irishman finally claimed the Green Jacket on Sunday after 17 attempts, completing his career Grand Slam.
In his sit-down interview with Balionis, McIlroy spoke about those who helped him achieve his dream but didn't mention Erica.
The interview has raised eyebrows given last year's speculation about McIlroy and Balionis' relationship, which emerged shortly after the golfer had filed for divorce from Erica before later withdrawing the petition.
Rory McIlroy notably omitted his wife Erica Stoll when discussing his "close-knit support system" during a post-Masters victory interview with CBS Sports' Amanda Balionis
CBS
When asked about his support system by Balionis, McIlroy highlighted several key figures in his life.
"I have had an incredible support system the whole way throughout my life as an only child, the support that I had from my parents, they saw some potential in me as a golfer," he said.
The 29-time PGA Tour winner also mentioned his caddy and best friend Harry Diamond.
He added: "I have a, as you call it, a village. But it's a close-knit village and it's pretty small, but everyone that's in there means an incredible deal to me."
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Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll embraced at the Masters as the golf star won the first Green Jacket of his careerREUTERSMcIlroy also spoke about making his daughter Poppy proud and wanting her to "experience these things."
The speculation around McIlroy and Balionis emerged in May 2024 when the Daily Mail suggested a potential relationship between them shortly after McIlroy filed for divorce.
Eagle-eyed fans had noticed Balionis hadn't been wearing her wedding ring for two months before eventually divorcing her husband Bryn Renner.
A source close to both McIlroy and Balionis denied any relationship to US Weekly, however, with the rumours firmly put to bed.
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The speculation was ultimately put to rest when McIlroy announced he was withdrawing his divorce petition.
He revealed that he and Erica had worked through their differences and got their relationship "back on track."
Despite the omission in the interview, McIlroy shared an emotional embrace with Erica immediately after stepping off the 18th green as Masters champion.
It's worth noting that the interview shown online may not be complete, meaning McIlroy could have mentioned Erica in another portion of the conversation.t
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McIlroy had already acknowledged his family's support right after sinking his winning 5ft birdie putt in the playoff against Justin Rose.
"Last but not least, over to my left, my family, my team. They've been on this journey with me the whole way through," he said at that time.
He added: "They know the burden that I've carried to come here every year and try and try and try again."
Erica had been by McIlroy's side throughout Masters week at Augusta National.
Justin Rose pushed Rory McIlroy all the way at the Masters on SundayREUTERSShe even caddied for her husband during the traditional par-three contest held on the Wednesday before the tournament.
The family moment became particularly memorable when their daughter Poppy stole the spotlight from her famous father.
The young girl captured hearts when she successfully sank a 25-foot putt during the par-three event.
This touching family scene came just days before McIlroy would finally claim the elusive Green Jacket that completed his career Grand Slam after an 11-year wait.
