Rory McIlroy was on the brink of divorcing his wife Erica Stoll last year before a dramatic U-turn - but what prompted the couple to change their minds?
The Northern Irishman revealed that golf had become "all consuming" in his life, leading to difficulties in his marriage with Stoll.
Last year, the five-time major winner has opened up about the real reasons behind their near-divorce and subsequent reconciliation.
McIlroy, currently competing at the PGA Championship, admitted he needed time away from the sport to reassess his priorities.
Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll married in 2017 but nearly divorced in 2024 before a late U-turn
GETTYThe world No. 2 filed for divorce in May 2024 before the couple decided to stay together, with McIlroy now acknowledging that both his professional career and the business side of golf had taken over his life to an unhealthy degree.
McIlroy filed for divorce on May 13, just days after winning a PGA Tour event and ahead of the US PGA Championship.
However, shortly before the US Open, the Northern Irishman confirmed that he and Stroll had reconciled.
"There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate," McIlroy told the Guardian. "Responding to each rumour is a fool's game."
He added: "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."
McIlroy subsequently suffered a late collapse at Pinehurst, missing out on his fifth career major.
In an on-course interview that aired this week on Patrick Kielty's 'Late Late Show', ahead of the Irish Open, McIlroy elaborated on his personal struggles.
READ MORE: Snooker star loses appeal as five-year ban and huge fine for match-fixing confirmed
Rory McIlroy and wife Erica Stoll are still together and she was by his side as he won The Masters last month
Reuters
"I think sometimes life can get a lot and it can get too much," he said. "There's been a lot going on this year, golf wise and then obviously personal wise as well."
The golfer explained his need for distance from the sport: "I had to take a little bit of a break and get away from the game more than anything else.
"Golf and the business of golf had become all consuming for me for the last couple of years."
McIlroy reflected on rediscovering his priorities: "I needed to take a bit of time away to realise what was actually important to me.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Lionel Messi explodes in anger and argues with referee as rival boss intervenes after Inter Miami match
- Ronnie O'Sullivan's whopping net worth, property portfolio and real reason he broke up with Laila Rouass
- Gary Neville apology demanded after Nottingham Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi, 27, placed in induced coma
Rory McIlroy is bidding for PGA Championship glory this week
GETTY"Friends, family, enjoying myself, enjoying the fact you were this little boy in Holywood and you've grown up to be whatever it is that I am and I need to enjoy that time."
McIlroy is currently looking to win his second major in a row after finally bagging the green jacket at The Masters last month.
The 36-year-old finally ended his long wait for a career Grand Slam in the process, underlining him as one of Britain's best ever sportsmen.
