[Golf Topic] McIlroy "Becoming a Dad Soon"..."What About the PO?"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] ○... "I'm going to be a dad soon."

World No. 4 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) announced on the 30th (Korean time) right after the 3rd round of the PGA Tour Playoffs (PO) 2nd event, the BMW Championship (total prize money $9.5 million) held at Olympia Fields Golf Club in Illinois, USA (par 70, 7,366 yards), "My wife Erica will soon give birth to our daughter," sharing the news that he is becoming a parent. He added, "I am very excited right now" and "I am eagerly waiting for my daughter to come into the world."

McIlroy first met Erica, a PGA staff member, during the 39th Ryder Cup held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in October 2012. The connection started when Erica informed officials about McIlroy’s absence because he mistakenly thought his tee time was 12:25 PM instead of 11:25 AM, and after a police escort, he barely made it on time. McIlroy led the European Union to victory with a singles match play win.

After breaking up with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) in May 2014, McIlroy began a serious relationship with Erica. In December 2015, during a trip to Paris, he proposed to Erica in front of the Eiffel Tower with a diamond ring worth 600,000 euros (850 million KRW), making headlines. Their private wedding in April 2017 at Ashford Castle in Ireland also drew attention with costs amounting to $535,000 (630 million KRW).

It is interesting that McIlroy hinted at skipping the final 3rd round of the PO, the Tour Championship, scheduled for the 4th of next month, saying, "I will leave immediately if I get news that my daughter has been born." Currently ranked 12th in the PO standings, he has already secured a ticket to the 3rd round, which only 30 players qualify for. Moreover, McIlroy is the defending champion, having won the dramatic comeback victory and hitting the '15 million dollar (17.75 billion KRW) jackpot.' He explained, "I can play in the Tour Championship again, but the birth of my first child happens only once," expressing his willingness to give up both honor and prize money.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.