Rory McIlroy explains real reason for divorce U-turn with wife Erica Stoll

That came just before the US Open, as McIlroy confirmed that the couple had reconciled.

Now during an interview on Patrick Kielty's 'Late Late Show', the four-time major winner has opened up on the reasons behind the U-turn.

"I think sometimes life can get a lot and it can get too much,” he said.

"There’s been a lot going on this year, golf wise and then obviously personal wise as well.

"I had to take a little bit of a break and get away from the game more than anything else.

"Golf and the business of golf had become all consuming for me for the last couple of years and I needed to take a bit of time away to realise what was actually important to me.

"Friends, family, enjoying myself, enjoying the fact you were this little boy in Holywood and you’ve grown up to be whatever it is that I am and I need to enjoy that time."

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McIlroy's attorney Thomas Sasser filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal in Palm Beach County Courthouse on behalf of his client over the summer.

But the couple, who have a daughter Poppy, have since reconciled - less than a month after Stoll was served the divorce papers.

"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 said.

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McIlroy is back on home soil this week as he contends for the Irish Open title, which would be his first professional win on Northern Irish soil.

"It would be amazing," McIlroy said.

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"The last couple of times I've played in Northern Ireland it hasn't really panned out the way I wanted so to play a good three days here and be in the final group and give myself a chance tomorrow, I'm excited for the opportunity.

"After the sort of year that I've had and the close misses it wouldn't make up for all of it, but it would go a long way in putting a nice shine on 2024 for me.

"I can't get that far ahead of myself, I need to go out and play another very solid round tomorrow to try to get the job done but I'm pleased with how the first three days have gone."