A separation and an end to a love story—that’s what the world thought when Rory McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica Stoll in Palm Beach County, Florida. The news came out of the blue, but what made the incident even more shocking was that his wife of seven years was served the notice and given 20 days to respond. But lovers found their way back to each other again and after a month, the petition was voluntarily dismissed and McIlroy reconciled with his wife.

The Northern Irishman told The Guardian, “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.” It will be nearly a month since the whole ordeal ended. Is Stoll once again by her husband’s side on the greens to support him at the Summer Olympics? Fortunately, yes.

According to a tweet by Golf Digest posted on X, the four-time major winner was watching the men’s tennis doubles quarterfinals between Rafael Nadal-Carlos Alcaraz against Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram [which the latter team won] at the Olympics with his best mate and team Ireland comrade Shane Lowry and Stoll on his left. The trio was enjoying tennis, as the men’s golf still had 24 hours to start.

McIlroy has been paired with Ludvig Aberg and Scottie Scheffler for the first and second rounds, starting at Le Golf National. And he will surely have Stoll outside the ropes cheering for a gold medal victory with his daughter, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy. From their marriage reaching a breaking point to reconciling, what changed after the May filing that brought McIlroy and Erica Stoll together? In the end, nothing changed but his perspective.

For Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll, it’s family above everything else

Erica Stoll did not respond within the 20-day timeline that was given by the court and yet their marriage was not dissolved. The two have been married for seven years and Stoll has been through the ups and downs with the Northern Irishman and his career while standing right beside him and showing her utmost support. At his last Olympic start, McIlroy was unable to convert the seven playoffs into a bronze medal win as he shot a bogey.

However, after more than 20 days, the 4-time major winner was over cloud nine as he forgot about the Olympic disappointment and welcomed his first and only child, Poppy, in August 2020. She was most probably also the reason why the 35-year-old decided to have a change of heart. The two were supposed to share the custody of their daughter after the divorce; however, as someone who certainly values family, McIlroy pulled his decision.

Last time, his wife could not be with him as he played in the Olympics. But at the Paris Olympics, things are different. Through his new beginnings, McIlroy will have another chance to chase the gold medal and this year, his wife and daughter will be there to support him through the gallery.