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 plans to divorce Stoll – his wife of the past seven years – after realizing their best future with three-year-old daughter Poppy was ‘together as a family’ used to be.
The Northern Irishman’s lawyer, Thomas Sasser, filed a notice of voluntary dismissal on his behalf at the Palm Beach County courthouse on Tuesday afternoon, before the court officially closed the case.
Following the shock turnaround, McIlroy was seen training at the US Open on Wednesday as he made final preparations for the major championship.
He looked cheerful as he completed his session in North Carolina, laughing and joking with caddy Harry Diamond and manager Sean O’Flaherty.
Rory McIlroy is in the picture for the first time since he called off his divorce from Erica Stoll
But he was still seen without his wedding ring during US Open training on Wednesday
McIlroy will tee off at No. 2 Pinehurst on Thursday after being grouped with Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele for the first two rounds of the tournament.
He addressed the speculation surrounding his relationship status in a statement The guard On Tuesday he said: ‘There have been rumors about my personal life lately, which is a shame. Responding to every rumor is a fool’s game.
“Over the past few weeks, Erica and I have come to the realization that our best future was together as a family. Fortunately, we have resolved our differences and are looking forward to a new beginning.”
McIlroy’s change of heart may have been prompted by fears he would have to pay out a large chunk of his $257 million fortune to lawyers, friends believe.
According to friends close to him, the four-time major winner became increasingly concerned that the split could result in millions of dollars in legal fees.
A friend said, “Maybe the cold realization of exactly how much the divorce could cost him hit him hard.
‘McIlroy has amassed a fortune of more than £200 million [$257m] and his projected career earnings are predicted to more than double.
‘He didn’t want all the money he had built up to disappear.
McIlroy (pictured with Stoll and their three-year-old daughter Poppy) has dramatically scrapped plans to divorce his wife of seven years
He looked in good spirits as he carried out his final preparations for the US Open at Pinehurst
McIlroy and CBS reporter Amanda Balionis had fueled rumors of a romance between the two, especially after fans noticed her wedding ring was conspicuously absent from recent photos
But on the eve of the US Open, world number 3 revealed he has saved his marriage to Stoll
According to friends close to the four-time major winner, McIlroy was growing increasingly concerned that the divorce could destroy his vast fortune.
“It would have been a huge waste if millions ended up in lawyers’ pockets.”
On May 13, Erica, 36, was served papers at the couple’s marital home in Jupiter, Florida, informing her that McIlroy, 35, wanted out of their marriage.
The petition gave her twenty days to file a counterclaim or risk the court granting the divorce by default, but Dailymail.com exclusively revealed that she had not filed an answer or even registered a lawyer before the deadline of June 2.
After filing for divorce from Stoll, McIlroy was linked to CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis, 38, who he hugged after an interview at the recent RBC Canadian Open.
Balionis is married to football 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 number 3 has quashed these rumors by confirming that he is back with Stoll.
Social media was awash with confusion and congratulations as fans reacted to news of his divorce on Tuesday, with some making predictions about how they think McIlroy will perform in this week’s third major.
‘People; Rory McIlroy will win the US Open,” one account predicted.
“He’s missing the cut,” another joked.
‘SMASH RORY US OPEN WINNER 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.