Rory McIlroy has broken his silence on the shocking turn of events surrounding his marriage to Erica Stole, revealing for the first time how the couple almost finalized their divorce before reconciling just weeks later. Speaking in the latest episode of Netflix’s *Full Swing*, McIlroy described the tumultuous period as a “wake-up call,” shifting his focus back to golf during a whirlwind year that included both triumphant victories and gut-wrenching defeats.

In May 2024, the four-time major champion announced he and Stole, who share a four-year-old daughter named Poppy, were seeking a divorce after seven years of marriage, citing their relationship as “irretrievably broken.” This bombshell dropped mere days before the PGA Championship at Valhalla, casting a shadow over the tournament’s buildup.

However, just a month later, McIlroy stunned fans by announcing that he and Stole had reconciled, leading to the cancellation of the divorce proceedings. “Everything has worked out for the best,” McIlroy stated, expressing excitement for their future together. Yet, he candidly noted the struggle of balancing high-stakes golf with family life, admitting, “Sometimes I get overwhelmed, and it can be a little too much for me.”

Reflecting on their journey, McIlroy recalled how he first met Stole during the 2012 Ryder Cup, and how their relationship blossomed after his split from tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. Their lavish wedding at Ashford Castle in Ireland, serenaded by artists like Stevie Wonder, was a fairy tale moment that now seems distant amidst this recent turmoil.

As McIlroy continues to navigate both personal and professional challenges, the world watches with bated breath, eager to see how he will balance his roles as a top golfer and devoted husband and father. The drama of his journey unfolds against the backdrop of an unpredictable sport and a life under constant public scrutiny, leaving fans anxiously awaiting his next move.