Rory McIlroy's divorce 'u-turn' explanation - with 'a lot going on' for golf star

During a round of golf with comedian Patrick Kielty, Rory McIlroy admitted that "sometimes life can get a lot." The two Northern Irishmen teamed up in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, during which McIlroy opened up about his challenging year , including relationship difficulties with his wife Erica Stoll and sporting disappointments such as his near-miss at the US Open.

McIlroy returned to his home turf to finish as runner-up at the Irish Open, a commendable comeback after narrowly missing out on victory at Pinehurst earlier in the year to Bryson DeChambeau.

In a dramatic turn of events, McIlroy bogeyed two of the last three holes and watched from the clubhouse as he snatched defeat from the jaws of victory , just days after reversing a decision to divorce his wife.

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To watch the full Patrick Kielty and Rory McIlroy interview, click here.

Prior to the US PGA Championship, McIlroy had filed for divorce in a Florida court. However, this was later voluntarily dismissed at the request of all parties involved, leading to a reconciliation between McIlroy and Stoll, reports the Express US .

"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 stated at the time.

McIlroy, who has been facing a lot off the course including home life with daughter Poppy and partner Stoll, recently unveiled on the Late Late Show just how much he needed to step back from golf in 2024. "There's been a lot going on this year," McIlroy said.

He emphasized the personal struggles alongside his professional challenges, "From golf-wise and then obviously personal-wise as well. I think sometimes life can get a lot and it can get too much, I had to take a little bit of a break and get away from the game more than anything else."

Showing a deep reflection on his workload, he continued, "I think, going back to the talk about the merger with LIV (Golf) and all that, golf and the business of golf has become all-consuming for me for the last couple of years. And I needed to take a little bit of time away to realise what was actually important to me, friends, family, enjoying myself."

McIlroy's longing to clinch his first win on Irish soil at the Irish Open was palpable, especially after a strong start which saw him birdieing the first two holes on Sunday and seizing a four-shot lead. Yet missed opportunities for birdies on the eighth and ninth holes, coupled with later bogeys on the 15th and 17th, allowed Rasmus Hojgaard to come from behind and steal the title with some impressive chip-ins on the back nine.

However, McIlroy recognizes that life is more than just golf. His break from the sport has kept him in a strong mental state as he prepares for the PGA Championship.

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