Rory McIlroy made a heartfelt return home in recent days to celebrate his Masters win with family, but his wife Erica Stoll was notably absent, reportedly staying back in the US. The golf star was met with cheers as he disembarked his private jet in Belfast on Friday, cradling his four year old daughter Poppy, while security welcomed him. However, Erica wasn't spotted with the group. Her absence during McIlroy's visit to his folks with Poppy has sparked conversation, especially after the 35 year old left her out when he praised his 'support system' post-Masters victory. In a post-win interview, McIlroy expressed gratitude for his life-long support network: "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. And they gave me every opportunity to try to fulfil that potential." He continued, highlighting his caddie and close circle: "To have Harry on the bag. 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. I think as well, to have Poppy there and to see... You know, I want to make her proud, I want her to be able to experience these things.", reports the Express. In May 2024, McIlroy filed for divorce from Stoll, but they announced a month later that they had rekindled their relationship. "Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together," McIlroy told the Guardian. "Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning." Following his Masters triumph, McIlroy and Stoll were all smiles, celebrating with their daughter Poppy in heartwarming scenes captured in photographs. With the Zurich Classic of New Orleans on the horizon, it's unclear if Stoll will be present as McIlroy aims to retain the title he secured last year with pal Shane Lowry. Lowry confirmed their intent to play, stating: "We'll be there," adding how he reassured McIlroy about not feeling obliged to participate on his account. "I talked to him [on Wednesday] morning. We're good to go. To be honest, I didn't want him to feel like he had to play because of me. He's not letting me down if he wanted to take some time [off]. He feels like he wants to get back out there. He feels like next week is a good week to [return to the course]. So, yeah, we'll be there." Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.