McIlroy steps out for US Open practice after bombshell divorce U-turn

Rory McIlroy has been pictured for the first time since calling off his divorce from Erica Stoll as he switches his focus to this week’s US Open.

Almost a month since filing divorce papers, McIlroy has dramatically scrapped plans to split from Stoll – his wife of the last seven years – after realizing their best future with three-year-old daughter Poppy in the equation is ‘as a family together’.

The Northern Irishman’s attorney Thomas Sasser filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal on his behalf Tuesday afternoon in Palm Beach County Courthouse, before court officially closed out the case.

After the shock U-turn, McIlroy was seen stepping out for practice at the US Open on Wednesday as he carries out final preparations ahead of the major championship.

He looked in fine spirits while completing his session in North Carolina while laughing and joking with caddie Harry Diamond and manager Sean O’Flaherty. 

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McIlroy is set to tee off at Pinehurst No. 2 on Thursday after being grouped alongside Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele for the opening two rounds of the tournament.

He addressed the 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 each rumor is a fool’s game.

‘Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.’ 

McIlroy’s change of heart may have been sparked by fears over paying out a huge chunk of his $257million fortune to lawyers, friends believe. 

According to pals close to him, the four-time major winner grew increasingly concerned that the split could rack up millions of dollars worth of legal fees.

A friend said: ‘Perhaps, The cold realization of exactly how much the divorce could cost him hit hard.

‘McIlroy has amassed a fortune of more than £200m [$257m] and his projected earnings in his career are predicted to be more than double that figure.

‘Surely he didn’t want to see all that money he’s accrued diminish.

‘It would have felt like a huge waste if millions ended up in the pockets of lawyers.’

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 20 days to file a counterclaim or risk having the court grant the divorce by default, yet Dailymail.com exclusively revealed that she failed to lodge any response or even register an attorney by the June 2 deadline.

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 football coach Bryn Renner but has recently been spotted without her wedding ring, leaving golf fans wondering just how close she and McIlroy had become.

However, the World No. 3 has put those rumors to bed by confirming he is back with Stoll. 

Social media was awash with confusion and congratulations as fans reacted to the news of his divorce U-turn on Tuesday, with some offering predictions on how they think McIlroy will perform at this week’s third major. 

‘Folks; Rory McIlroy is going to win the US Open,’ one account predicted.

‘He’s missing the cut,’ joked another.

‘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.