Rory McIlroy has insisted he's happier than ever in his marriage to Erica Stoll, while also hinting that wasn't the case 12 months ago.
Last year, the golfer sent shockwaves around the world when he filed for divorce from his wife - with the pair previously marrying in 2017.
It seemed as though their relationship was over but then, in a huge U-turn, McIlroy announced that they'd resolved their differences.
Speaking to the Guardian at the time, he said: "There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate.
Rory McIlroy has insisted he's happier than ever in his marriage to Erica Stoll, while also hinting that wasn't the case 12 months ago
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"Responding to each rumor 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's wife, Erica, was recently by his side as the golf star won the Masters for the first time - while also becoming just the sixth man to achieve the career Grand Slam.
And now, speaking at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the Northern Irishman has provided an update on his relationship.
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McIlroy said: "[I] honestly could not be in a better place in my life professionally, personally, all of it.
"It's amazing what a year can do."
McIlroy and Erica, along with their four-year-old daughter Poppy, recently returned to the UK in the wake of the golfer's triumph at the Masters.
He didn't want to spend too long away from the course, however, making an immediate return less than two weeks on from his sensational win.
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Rory McIlroy was supported by wife Erica Stoll as he won the Masters for the first time earlier this month
REUTERSMcIlroy is currently playing with Shane Lowry in New Orleans, with the pair hoping to defend the title they won last year.
However, the duo are six off the lead after struggling towards the end of play on Friday.
Lowry said: “We’re obviously disappointed.
"I feel like 11-under is the worst score we could be for two days."
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While the duo are experiencing some issues in America, the same can't be said for US rookies Kevin Velo and Isaiah Salinda.
They have a one-stroke lead after Friday's action as they chase their first PGA Tour title.
Velo was enthused by their work, saying: “Overall really solid. We played really to our strengths today.
“We played pretty flawless. We feed off each other really easily.”
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are currently six shots off the lead at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans
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Salinda added: “I like our chances in alternate shot versus anyone in the field.
“We just keep playing how we’re playing, set ourselves up for Sunday and give ourselves a shot.”
