Rory McIlroy has been pictured for the first time since calling off his divorce from Erica Stoll as he shifts his focus to this week’s US Open.
Nearly a month after filing divorce papers, McIlroy has dramatically scrapped his plans to separate from Stoll, his wife of the past seven years, after realizing his better future with three-year-old daughter Poppy is in the equation. “like a united family.”
The Northern Irishman’s attorney, Thomas Sasser, filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal on his behalf Tuesday afternoon at the Palm Beach County Courthouse, before the court officially closed the case.
After the surprising U-turn, McIlroy was seen heading out to practice at the US Open on Wednesday as he makes final preparations ahead of the major championship.
He looked in good spirits as he completed his session in North Carolina while laughing and joking with caddy Harry Diamond and manager Sean O’Flaherty.
Rory McIlroy has been photographed for the first time since calling off his divorce from Erica Stoll.
McIlroy (pictured with Stoll and his three-year-old daughter, Poppy) has dramatically scrapped his plans to split from his wife of seven years.
McIlroy will play at Pinehurst No. 2 on Thursday after being grouped alongside Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele for the first two rounds of the tournament.
He addressed speculation surrounding his relationship status in a statement to The Guardian on Tuesday, saying: ‘There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to every rumor is nonsense.
‘Over the past few weeks, Erica and I realized that our best future was to be a united family. Fortunately, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
McIlroy’s change of heart may have been prompted by fears of paying out a large portion of his $257 million fortune to lawyers, his friends believe.
According to friends close to him, the four-time Major winner was increasingly concerned that the division could rack up millions of dollars in legal fees.
A friend said: “Maybe the cold realization of exactly how much the divorce could cost him was a hard blow.”
‘McIlroy has amassed a fortune of more than £200 million ($257 million) and his projected career earnings are expected to be more than double that figure.
Surely he didn’t want to see all the money he had accumulated diminish.
McIlroy and CBS reporter Amanda Balionis had sparked rumors of a romance between the two, especially after fans noticed her wedding ring was noticeably absent in recent photos.
But on the eve of the US Open, the world No. 3 revealed that he had saved his marriage to Stoll.
According to friends close to the four-time grand prix winner, McIlroy was increasingly worried that the divorce could devastate his vast fortune.
“It would have been a huge waste if millions ended up in lawyers’ pockets.”
On May 13, Erica, 36, received documents at the couple’s marital home in Jupiter, Florida, informing her that McIlroy, 35, wanted to end their marriage.
The petition gave him 20 days to file a countersuit or risk the court granting the divorce by default, however, Dailymail.com exclusively revealed that he did not file any response or even register a lawyer before the deadline of the 2nd. of June.
After filing for divorce from Stoll, McIlroy had been linked to CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis, 38, whom he was seen hugging after an interview at the recent RBC Canadian Open.
Balionis is married to soccer coach Bryn Renner, but was recently spotted without her wedding ring, leaving golf fans wondering how close she and McIlroy had become.
However, the World No. 3 put those rumors to rest by confirming that he is back with Stoll.
Social media was flooded with confusion and congratulations as fans reacted to the news of his divorce U-turn on Tuesday, with some offering predictions for how they think McIlroy will perform in this week’s third major.
‘Friends; “Rory McIlroy is going to win the US Open,” one story predicted.
“It’s missing the cut,” another joked.
‘SMASH RORY’S US OPEN WINNER I LOVE THE NEWS! All the best to the McIlroys,” wrote a third.
“I see Rory at +9 after two rounds and flying home Friday night,” another posted.