Northern Ireland

Rory McIlroy celebrates birth of daughter Poppy

Rory McIlroy posted a photo on Instagram of baby Poppy holding his finger 
Rory McIlroy posted a photo on Instagram of baby Poppy holding his finger  Rory McIlroy posted a photo on Instagram of baby Poppy holding his finger 

Rory McIlroy's wife Erica has given birth to the couple's first child, the four-time major winner has revealed.

McIlroy wrote on Instagram that Poppy Kennedy McIlroy was born on Monday and "she is the absolute love of our lives."

The 31-year-old also thanked staff at Jupiter Medical Centre in Florida for their "amazing care."

McIlroy had said he was willing to withdraw from last week's BMW Championship or the upcoming Tour Championship if Erica went in labour.

It remains to be seen if the defending champion will compete at East Lake when play gets under way on Friday, although he is no longer scheduled to give an interview this afternoon.

McIlroy met his future wife Erica Stoll during the 2012 Ryder Cup, when she was working for the PGA of America.

The couple were married in April 2017 at Ashford Castle in Co Mayo.

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll pictured at the Ryder Cup in Minnesota in 2016. Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Wire
Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll pictured at the Ryder Cup in Minnesota in 2016. Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Wire Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll pictured at the Ryder Cup in Minnesota in 2016. Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Wire