Rory McIlroy explains Erica Stoll divorce U-turn as pressure of LIV Golf criticism told.

Rory McIlroy has admitted “the business of golf” became “all consuming” after spending months criticising LIV Golf before taking a step back from the sport’s civil war.

Rory McIlroy has revealed the reasons behind his choice to cancel his divorce with his wife, Erica Stoll, in June. Before this year’s US Open, McIlroy and Stoll announced that they had decided to withdraw the divorce case that was filed a month before at Palm Beach County State Court in Florida. Shortly after this decision, McIlroy experienced a devastating loss at Pinehurst No.2 during the tournament, where he lost a two-shot lead to Bryson DeChambeau with only five holes remaining.

Following the loss, McIlroy announced a temporary break from golf but made a comeback in time for the Genesis Scottish Open in July, where he tied for fourth place. In a conversation with Patrick Kielty on the ‘Late Late,’ McIlroy admitted that he took the much-needed break from golf to help him refocus on “what was actually important to me”.

I think sometimes life can get a lot and it can get too much,” he said. “There’s been a lot going on this year, golf wise and then obviously personal wise as well. I had to take a little bit of a break and get away from the game more than anything else,” he said.

“Golf and the business of golf had become all consuming for me for the last couple of years and I needed to take a bit of time away to realise what was actually important to me. Friends, family, enjoying myself, enjoying the fact you were this little boy in Holywood and you’ve grown up to be whatever it is that I am and I need to enjoy that time.”

McIlroy’s “business of golf” comment was a reference to the sport’s civil war between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. The four-time major winner was a huge critic of LIV during the Saudi-backed circuit’s early days but has since softened his stance. He took a step back from the golf administration by resigning from the PGA Tour’s Policy Board last year.

When questioned about his daughter, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy, who was born in 2020, and the possibility of her taking up golf like him, McIlroy answered by saying that they gave her actual golf clubs for her birthday this year.

If she showed interest, I would fully support her, but I would also be okay if she pursued something else. Being a sportsperson is not just about the physical aspect, there are other factors to consider.”

In this era of social media and various challenges, it is important to protect your daughter from potential harm. It is essential to be vigilant in shielding her from negative influences.

In June, McIlroy spoke to The Guardian about rumors surrounding his personal life, stating that he finds it regrettable.

He believes that it is pointless to address every individual rumor that comes up.

The 35-year-old individual also disclosed information about the couple’s change of mind, stating: “In recent weeks, Erica and I have come to the realization that our happiest future lies in being a family together. Fortunately, we have worked through our disagreements and are excited for a fresh start.”