Rory McIlroy Tears Up Thanking Formerly-Estranged Wife After DP World Tour Win: ‘Been Through a Lot This Year’

McIlroy said the support from his wife Erica and daughter Poppy "means the world" to him

Rory McIlroy became emotional speaking about his wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy after his win at the DP World Tour Championship on Sunday, Nov. 17 in Dubai.

The 35-year-old golfer — who called off his split from Stoll in June after initially filing for divorce on May 13 — spoke to Sky Sports after his victory at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

McIlroy reportedly battled back tears while telling the outlet that the support from his wife of seven years "means a lot" to him. "I’ve been through a lot this year professionally, personally,” McIlroy said, describing his championship win as a "fitting end to 2024" during the interview with Sky Sports.

“It’s been quite the year, but I’m super happy with where I am in my career and in my life, and I feel like everything’s worked out the way it was supposed to," continued McIlroy, who told the outlet he felt "a lot of self-inflicted pressure" on the golf course this year.

Related: Who Is Rory McIlroy's Wife? All About Erica Stoll

"I love to end the year on a positive note. I was maybe feeling a little more pressure than I should have," he said.

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Stoll was on the side with their four-year-old daughter as McIlroy cemented his victory on Sunday. "Their support means the world to me," McIlroy told reporters, per CNN.

“To be able to show Poppy what happened today and maybe some of the reasons why I’m not around all of the time because I’m working or practicing...it’s incredible that they were here with me this week and I’m excited to go celebrate with them."

Related: All About Rory McIlroy's Daughter Poppy McIlroy

PEOPLE confirmed on May 13 that McIlroy's attorney filed to dissolve the golfer's seven-year marriage with Stoll.

But on June 11, a notice of voluntary dismissal was filed on behalf of McIlroy in Palm Beach County Court, PEOPLE reported at the time.

Speaking to The Guardian following the file to dismiss the divorce, McIlroy said, “There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumor is a fool’s game."

McIlroy explained that he and Stoll "realized that our best future was as a family together" after calling off the divorce. "Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning," he added.