Rory McIlroy was watched by his wife Erica Stoll as he returned to golf for the first time since last month’s US Open, when he suffered a heartbreaking breakdown just days after calling off their divorce.
The Northern Irishman took a break from the sport after a late collapse at Pinehurst last month that allowed Bryson DeChambeau to win the US Open.
His wife Erica Stoll was in the crowd when McIlroy made his return to the Renaissance Club this week.
The world No. 2 is preparing for the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon after a tumultuous few weeks on and off the course.
McIlroy filed for divorce from Stoll in May but called it off just days before the U.S. Open at Pinehurst, where he came painfully close to ending his decade-long wait for a fifth major.
Erica Stoll watched Rory McIlroy’s return to golf at the Scottish Open on Thursday
The Northern Irishman signed a brilliant 65, five under par, at The Renaissance Club
He showed no hangover from that disappointment and returned to action with a brilliant five-under-par first round at the Scottish Open.
Stoll was photographed following her husband along the route, wearing a black coat and a Louis Vuitton shoulder bag valued at $3,400.
It is believed to be the first time he has seen McIlroy in person since the Ryder Cup in Rome last September.
The Northern Irishman fired five birdies and an eagle during his excellent first round on Thursday, moving within one shot of leader Maximilian Kieffer of Germany.
Earlier this week, she was seen sporting her wedding ring as she stepped up preparations for the final major of the year.
McIlroy admitted in a pre-tournament news conference that he had “a tough few days” after his collapse at the US Open, when he missed two short putts on the final holes.
The Northern Irishman took a break from the sport after a late collapse at Pinehurst last month.
With his wife watching from the galleries, McIlroy shot five birdies and an eagle.
It is believed to be the first time he has seen McIlroy in person since last year’s Ryder Cup.
