Rory McIlroy has opened up on the real reason behind not getting divorced from wife Erica Stroll.

The four-time major winner filed for divorce on May 13, just days after winning a PGA Tour event and ahead of the US PGA Championship.

McIlroy opened up on what happened with his wife

Shortly before the US Open, he confirmed that he and Stroll had reconciled and were staying together.

“There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate,” McIlroy told the Guardian.

“Responding to each rumour is a fool’s game.

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

McIlroy then went on to suffer a late collapse at Pinehurst to miss out on winning five fifth career major.

In an on-course interview with McIlroy that aired this week on Patrick Kielty’s ‘Late Late Show’, ahead of the Irish Open, he opened up on what happened.

“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.

McIlroy currently leads the Irish OpenGetty

“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.”

The world number three will head into Sunday’s final round at the Irish Open with a one-shot lead over Matteo Manassero in pursuit of what would be his first professional win on Northern Irish soil.

“It would be amazing,” McIlroy said after a third round of 69 played in testing conditions.

“The last couple of times I’ve played in Northern Ireland it hasn’t really panned out the way I wanted so to play a good three days here and be in the final group and give myself a chance tomorrow, I’m excited for the opportunity.

“After the sort of year that I’ve had and the close misses it wouldn’t make up for all of it, but it would go a long way in putting a nice shine on 2024 for me.

“I can’t get that far ahead of myself, I need to go out and play another very solid round tomorrow to try to get the job done but I’m pleased with how the first three days have gone.”