What a difference a year makes.
Roughly 11 months ago, the world was left stunned when it emerged that Rory McIlroy had filed for divorce from wife Erica Stoll just days before the start of the US PGA Championship.
The bombshell sent shockwaves around the golfing community, with the pair previously meeting at the 2010 Ryder Cup when she arranged a police escort to help the Northern Irishman get to the course on time after he'd misread his tee-time.
A spokesperson at the time confirmed the news, stressing that McIlroy's desire was to 'stressed Rory's desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible'.
Rory McIlroy filed for divorce from wife Erica Stoll last year before the couple decided to reconcile
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All signs pointed to the couple parting ways, having got married back in 2017.
Yet then, just a month later, McIlroy annnounced that he had 'resolved differences' with Erica and that the couple wouldn't be going their separate ways after all.
In an interview with the Guardian, the golfer said: "There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. 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.
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"Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning."
Fast-forward to now and McIlroy's relationship with his wife seems to be stronger than ever before.
The couple recently put on a loved up display at the Players Championship, with the pair embracing after McIlroy secured glory.
There were more sweet scenes on Wednesday, with McIlroy, Erica and their four-year-old daughter, Poppy, all enjoying themselves at Augusta.
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Rory McIlroy shared a kiss with wife Erica Stoll after his golfing triumph at the Players Championship
ReutersAt this year's Masters, the pressure is on McIlroy.
It has, after all, been 11 long years since the Northern Irishman last won a major.
McIlroy has admitted that he's doing his best to stay calm as the start of the prestigious tournament approaches. And he's also admitted that watching Bridgerton, following advice from Erica, has helped sooth some of his nerves.
"I've gotten into Bridgerton - I didn't think I would," he said.
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"I was very against watching it, but Erica convinced me. So we're on a bit of a Bridgerton kick this week, yeah.
"And I for the first time in a long time am reading a novel. I actually got some fiction into my life.
"It's a John Grisham book. The Reckoning. It's got off to a pretty good start."
On the expectations on his shoulders, he added: “It’s just narratives, it’s noise.
Rory McIlroy will be cheered on by wife Erica Stoll at this year's Masters
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“It’s just [about] trying to block out that noise as much as possible. I need to treat this tournament like all the other tournaments I play throughout the year.
"Look, I understand the narrative and the noise, and there’s a lot of anticipation and build up coming into this tournament each and every year, but I just have to keep my head down and focus on my job.”
