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RORY’S "ROCK": MCILROY DELIVERS EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE TO WIFE ERICA AFTER DP WORLD WIN

Love and Birdies: Discover how Erica Stoll helped Rory McIlroy win the Masters and why their marriage is stronger than ever in 2026.

Rory’s "Rock": McIlroy delivers emotional tribute to wife Erica after DP World win
Rory and Erica’s 2026 outlook looks bright after a rollercoaster year

Rory McIlroy couldn’t stop smiling as he posed with his wife, Erica Stoll, after winning the 2025 DP World Tour Championship. Honestly, it’s been a wild year for him, and he doesn’t hesitate to give Erica a lot of the credit. When he picked up the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in December 2025, he called Erica and their daughter Poppy his rock.

“My wife, Erica, and my daughter, Poppy. "They're what holds me together; they’re my rock,” McIlroy said after the win. “They couldn’t be here tonight; they’re back in America, but I can’t wait to get back to see them tomorrow and celebrate. I love you.”

People have seen the couple go through their fair share of ups and downs, but right now, heading into 2026, Rory and Erica look stronger than ever.

So, what’s life really like for these two?

Turns out, McIlroy gives Erica a lot of credit for helping him unwind. And, believe it or not, “Bridgerton” played a small part in his Master's win. Before he put on that famous green jacket in 2025, Erica got him hooked on the show.

“I’ve gotten into 'Bridgerton'. I didn’t think I would,” McIlroy admitted in April 2025. “I was very against watching it, but Erica convinced me. So we’re on a bit of a ‘Bridgerton’ kick this week, yeah.”

Things haven’t always been smooth. In May 2024, news broke that they’d filed for divorce. But just a month later, McIlroy announced that they’d worked things out and called off the split. Since then, Erica’s been right there in his corner, showing up at big tournaments, including his Masters win.

Not everything has been picture-perfect, though. The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage got ugly for the family. Some fans crossed the line, and a video even showed someone throwing a beer that hit Erica during the tournament. Before all that drama, Rory actually took a moment to praise the United States and talk about how much he values both his Irish and American ties.

“Everyone wanted to make it in America,” McIlroy said in September 2025. “It’s the land of opportunity. I still believe it’s the best country in the world, and if you come here and work hard, you can be or do whatever you want.

“I’m unbelievably grateful and lucky I got to come to America early on. I think success is celebrated here. There’s a strong work ethic. And yeah, I live here. My wife is American. My daughter is American,” he went on.

“I have a lot of affinity towards this country, and I think everyone who lives here should feel that way because it really is a wonderful place.”

ANTHONY KIM'S SPARK: THE SECRET TEXT MESSAGE THAT FUELED AUSTEN TRUSLOW’S FIRST MAJOR WIN

Breakthrough in NZ: Discover how Austen Truslow used Anthony Kim's LIV win to fuel his maiden NZ PGA victory and $A200,000 prize.

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Austen Truslow clinches maiden NZ PGA title in spectacular final round

Austen Truslow just pulled off the biggest win of his career at the NZ PGA, and he’s giving a nod to Anthony Kim for the inspiration. Truslow’s been grinding away as a pro for 11 years, but this is his first major tour win: a three-shot victory at Paraparaumu Beach GC on Sunday that pocketed him the $A200,000 Australasian Tour prize.

Things got a little shaky early in the final round, but Truslow found his groove. He went five under on the last 11 holes and left everyone else in the dust. With a final round of 67, he finished at six-under 274 for the tournament.

Cooper Moore, a teenage amateur from New Zealand who’s been turning heads, also shot a 67 and grabbed second place at 277. He finished three shots ahead of another American, MJ Maguire. Last year’s champ, Queenslander Louis Dobbelaar, was the top Aussie, coming in fourth at 281.

Truslow really took control after sinking a wild birdie putt from way left of the 10th green, somehow rolling it up a steep bank and in. “I got lucky and it went in because I could sit there with 100 balls and not make one,” he joked.

Right after his big moment on the 18th green, Truslow talked about how Anthony Kim’s comeback win at LIV Golf Adelaide last week fired him up. Kim, once a Ryder Cup star, disappeared from the scene for a decade while beating addiction and then returned with a bang.

“It’s very exciting,” Truslow said. “The thing about professional golf is you just have to keep showing up. I’ve been playing for 11 years now, and you never know when it’s going to be your week. It was really inspiring to see Anthony Kim last week. I don’t know if I would have won this week without seeing that. I texted a bunch of my friends after that, and I was like, 'He's been through more than me, and if he can win, then I have no excuses.’ It’s a journey. You have to believe in yourself and keep showing up, and thankfully it paid off this week.”

This win kicks off a huge three weeks for golf in New Zealand. Next up, the $A1.69 million NZ Open at Millbrook Resort, where Aussie Ryan Peake will try to keep his title. Then, the swing wraps up with the first-ever $A1.2 million Japan-Australasia Championship in Auckland from March 8-11.

NBA UPDATE: COOPER FLAGG SIDELINED WITH FOOT INJURY; DALLAS HEADS TO INDIANA FOR REDEMPTION

NBA news: Mavs vs Pacers. Get the full injury report on Cooper Flagg, Daniel Gafford, and Dallas's fight to save their 2026 season.

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Cooper Flagg officially ruled OUT for Sunday’s clash against the Indiana Pacers

Cooper Flagg, wearing Dallas Mavericks blue, heads back up the court during a game against the Phoenix Suns at American Airlines Centre. That was November 12, 2025, back when things didn’t feel so heavy.

Now, the Mavericks are packing their bags for Indianapolis, dragging a losing streak that’s stretched on for a month. Ten straight losses. The roster’s been gutted by injuries and bad luck. It’s been a rough stretch, but the team keeps scrapping.

The second half of the season didn’t bring any relief. Dallas dropped another one on Friday, falling 122-111 to the Timberwolves. That makes ten in a row. Their last win? You have to flip back to January 22nd.

Next up: a visit to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to take on the Pacers. The latest injury report? It’s not pretty.

Flagg’s Status for Sunday’s Game

Cooper Flagg won’t play on Sunday. His foot injury keeps him out, just like it did Friday in Minnesota. That hurts. Flagg was putting up 20.4 points a night before he went down, running the show as Dallas’s main scorer and the guy this team is trying to build around. They’re hoping he’ll be back after the All-Star break, but that’s still a wait.

He’s not the only one hurting. Daniel Gafford is questionable with an ankle issue. Max Christie's is also questionable with the same problem. Caleb Martin looks more likely to play, even with his own ankle injury.

What the Mavericks Need in Indiana

Khris Middleton has been the one steady hand lately. He dropped 18 points in Minnesota and keeps shouldering more responsibility than anyone expected when he signed here. He’s handling it like a pro who’s been through tough times before.

P.J. Washington had a rough night against the Wolves, going just 5-of-17 from the floor for 12 points. With Flagg out, Dallas needs him to be efficient, not just busy. They can’t afford another off night from one of their main options.

Naji Marshall and Klay Thompson have to chip in more, too. Thompson actually caught fire late in Minnesota, scoring 11 in the fourth quarter and nearly dragging Dallas back into it. That kind of spark can’t wait until the game’s almost over.

Marvin Bagley has quietly put together two double-doubles in the last four games. He’ll try to keep that rolling.

What Indiana Brings on Sunday

The Pacers aren’t doing much better. They’re 15-42, dead last in the East, and just lost twice in a row to the Wizards.

Their injury report is a laundry list, one of the league’s longest. Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell: all questionable.

Siakam hasn’t played since the All-Star break ended, and without him, their defence has been a mess. Indiana’s searching for answers in a season that’s gone off the rails.

So Sunday, you’ve got two struggling teams meeting at a crossroads. Both need a win. Only one will get it.

Final Word for the Mavericks

Ten straight losses. The best player on the sideline. A team that keeps fighting but keeps coming up short.

But Sunday? This is a real chance. Indiana’s banged up, shaky on defence, and just dropped two straight. The Pacers are right there for the taking.

Dallas has Middleton, Washington, Thompson, and 48 minutes to snap this streak. If they want it, it’s there.

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