Rory McIlroy arrived at Pinehurst No. 2 for the first round of the US Open Thursday without his wedding ring – despite calling off his divorce from Erica Stoll earlier this week.
The 35-year-old teed off alongside World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and PGA Championship winner Xander Schuaffele this afternoon in the major championship – the first tournament since the bombshell news of his divorce U-turn.
Almost a month since filing divorce papers, McIlroy dramatically scrapped plans to split from Stoll – his wife of the last seven years – after realizing their best future with three-year-old daughter Poppy in the equation is ‘as a family together’.
The Northern Irishman’s attorney Thomas Sasser filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal on his behalf Tuesday afternoon in Palm Beach County Courthouse, before court officially closed out the case.
After the dramatic about-face, McIlroy appeared to be in fine spirits as he kickstarted his latest quest to end his decade-long major drought. However, as he stepped on to the first tee in North Carolina, once again he was not wearing his wedding band.
Rory McIlroy was spotted without his wedding ring during the opening round of the US Open
He addressed the speculation surrounding his relationship status in a statement to The Guardian on Tuesday, saying: ‘There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumor is a fool’s game.
‘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’s change of heart may have been sparked by fears over paying out a huge chunk of his $257million fortune to lawyers, friends believe.
According to pals close to him, the four-time major winner grew increasingly concerned that the split could rack up millions of dollars worth of legal fees.
A friend said: ‘Perhaps, The cold realization of exactly how much the divorce could cost him hit hard.
‘McIlroy has amassed a fortune of more than £200m [$257m] and his projected earnings in his career are predicted to be more than double that figure.
‘Surely he didn’t want to see all that money he’s accrued diminish.
‘It would have felt like a huge waste if millions ended up in the pockets of lawyers.’
On May 13, Erica, 36, was served papers at the couple’s marital home in Jupiter, Florida , informing her that McIlroy, 35, wanted out of their marriage.
But he was still seen without his wedding ring on during the first round of the US Open on Thursday (right) after previously wearing it on his left hand (left)
McIlroy and CBS reporter Amanda Balionis had sparked rumors of a romance between the two, especially after fans noticed her wedding ring has been notably absent in recent photos
But on the eve of the US Open the World No. 3 revealed he has salvaged his marriage with Stoll
According to pals close to the four-time major winner, McIlroy grew increasingly concerned that the divorce could devastate his vast fortune
The petition gave her 20 days to file a counterclaim or risk having the court grant the divorce by default, yet Dailymail.com exclusively revealed that she failed to lodge any response or even register an attorney by the June 2 deadline.
After filing for divorce from Stoll, McIlroy had been linked to CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis, 38, whom he was seen hugging after an interview at the recent RBC Canadian Open.
Balionis is married to football coach Bryn Renner but has recently been spotted without her wedding ring, leaving golf fans wondering just how close she and McIlroy had become.
However, the World No. 3 has put those rumors to bed by confirming he is back with Stoll.
