A body language guru has suggested that Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll showed no signs of a "romantic spin" on their Portugal getaway, despite shelving divorce plans.
Speaking to Mirror Sports US, body language expert Judi James analyzed photos of the couple in Portugal, noting their casual demeanor and beachside relaxation.
She remarked: "These poses look more functional, with Erica walking ahead of her husband while he appears to be either in a more reflective mood or absorbed in the screen of his phone."
James added: "There is no sign of any body language set pieces here to over-announce any romantic re-engagement after their split: no hand-holding, eye-gazing, or bouts of overkill shared laughter to put the kind of romantic spin on their holiday here in the way that celebs often do when they want to signal a marriage is back on track."
After enduring the challenging weather at Royal Troon for the Open Championship, the Northern Irish golf star headed for the sunny shores of Portugal. The four-time major champion had a tournament to forget in Scotland, missing the cut by six strokes at the prestigious course with an 11-over-par score over two rounds.
The 35-year-old golfer quickly left his Ayrshire troubles behind, hopping on a flight from Prestwick Airport to Faro with his long-term partner and their daughter, Poppy. The family headed for Almancil on the Algarve, where they've been spotted enjoying a beach holiday.
This trip holds significance as McIlroy and Stroll have decided to reconcile following the shocking news earlier this year that McIlroy had filed for divorce. Since then, the couple has reconsidered the direction of their relationship, with their shared holiday being a strong indication that they're looking to move forward in their marriage.
Earlier this summer, the former world No. 1 golfer confirmed that they were working through their issues.
He told The Guardian: "Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning."
James speculated about photos of McIlroy walking on the beach, saying: "The most uplifting body language seems to be Rory on the beach, striding across sand but not searching for his ball in any bunker, as though truly relaxing and unwinding away from the golf. His posture, with his splayed chest and shoulders, suggest some re-booting of the alpha sportsman state with a hint of peacocking that suggests genuine pleasure and a hint of a confidence re-boot."
Meanwhile, James commented on Stoll's appearance: "Erica seems to have taken a more stylish approach to their break together, wearing smart earrings under the wide brim of her sun hat and holding a hand out to take her child's hand while letting her wedding and engagement rings be visible in what looks like a gesture of marital continuity."
Regarding a photo where McIlroy is seen looking at his phone with Stoll nearby, she observed: "In these photos Rory, dressed like the eternal teen in his Kevin and Perry baseball cap and baggy shorts, seems to be hanging back or walking behind his family rather than leading them."
"Erica is seen face-checking him as though tuning in to read his mood or to speak, while Rory is seen with his eyes on the screen of his phone, but he could be hanging back away from the cameras. When they do walk together Erica has her large beach bag slung between them in what looks like a barrier to anything more tactile."
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