Rory McIlroy's 'needy child' gesture during telling Erica Stoll exchange - expert

All eyes were on and his wife as they celebrated his latest career milestone with a . Now, a body language expert has picked up on a telling 'needy' gesture on the part of the pro golfer.

Rory and Erica put on a united front at the all-important tournament in Augusta, Georgia, and were However, this past year has been far from plain sailing for the couple, who expressed their intentions to divorce last May, with a filing describing their marriage as "irretrievably broken".

For a while, it seemed as though the pair had truly reached the end of the road, with Rory, 35, even spotted at the 2024 PGA Championship in Louisville. By June, however, the marriage seemed to be back on track, mere days before the US Open, with Rory confirming at the time that they had resolved their differences. Now, as Northern Irishman Rory basks in the glory of his first major title since 2014, it seems they're still going strong.

Mere moments after besting Justin Rose in his career Grand Slam, a tearful Rory was seen hugging his loyal caddie, Harry Diamond, before heading to kiss Erica on the cheek, with the pair sharing an emotional embrace before he lifted up young Poppy.

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Speaking with the , body language expert Judi James remarked upon the "parent/child" dynamic of Rory and Erica's "celebratory rituals". After observing footage of the interaction, Judi explained: "His celebratory rituals with wife Erica looked very parent/child. Rory puffed loudly as he approached her, with his eyes on her in a gesture of relief and a release of pent-up pressure and stress that seemed to have come up from his boots."

Judi also went on to draw comparisons between the couple and Donald and , whose awkward air kiss during January's inauguration was widely commented on. She continued: "Rory held both arms out like a small child asking for a hug and when they hug happened, he clung round Erica's neck like a needy child.

"Erica's responses were complimentary in terms of looking parental as she patted and rubbed his back in soothing rituals, although her wide-brimmed hat pulled off the 'Melania effect' of distancing and covering in the way the First Lady's hat did during the inauguration. It created a more tempered response, and the pats could have been seen as a signal to break."

This follows mounting speculation that the five-time major winner may be returning to British shores. Just last month, rival JJ Spaun revealed Rory indicated that he was building a home for himself in the Cotswolds area, an ocean away from his lavish £16.6 million mansion in Jupiter, Florida.

JJ shared: “We were talking about the UK. I know he's Northern Irish, but I asked him if he ever hangs out in London. My wife has got a really good friend who lives out there and loves going there, so over the last couple of years, we go on this little vacation in December to the Cotswolds. I asked him about that, and he said, 'Oh yeah, I'm building a house out there.’"

However, golf advisors have suggested such speculation could be a little "premature", advising the Mirror: It is way too premature to think Rory and Erica are moving to the UK. Their daughter Poppy is settled, and Rory is committed to the PGA tour in the States. He has no plans to join the European one. You may see him and Erica more in the UK, but for now, as much as he loves Britain, his future is still in Florida. A move back to the UK will not be happening any time soon."

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com. Follow Mirror Celebs on , , , , , and

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