Rory McIlroy was joined by his wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy as he took part in the traditional par-three curtain raiser on the eve of the Masters.
The Northern Irishman is chasing a first major victory in 11 years when he takes on Augusta National this week.
Last year, McIlroy’s bid for a fifth major title was dominated by turbulence in his private life.
He married Stoll in 2017 but the 35-year-old filed for divorce a day before arriving for the 2024 PGA Championship.
Just weeks later, the couple called off the separation days before the US Open at Pinehurst.
‘There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate,’ McIlroy said at the time.
Rory McIlroy was joined by his wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy for the Par-3 competition
The couple, who called off their divorce last year, share a laugh during Wednesday’s round
The Northern Irishman, one of the favorites for the Masters, sits alongside his young daughter
McIlroy – who married Stoll in 2017 – enjoys a laugh during the annual competition at Augusta
‘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 attorney, Thomas Sasser, filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal on his behalf on June 11 in Palm Beach County Courthouse after he and Erica reportedly held secret meetings at their $22million (£17.2m) Florida home in a bid to salvage their marriage.
The meetings were initially focused on how they would co-parent their daughter Poppy, but the conversations eventually led to them reuniting, according to Irish outlet RSVP Live.
On Wednesday, Stoll acted as caddie for McIlroy, who was seen wearing his wedding ring as he prepared for the first major of the year.
The couple were joined by four-year-old Poppy for the Par-3 competition at Augusta, which is traditionally held the day before the opening round of the Masters.
McIlroy is among the favorites at Augusta after winning last month’s Players Championship, when he celebrated victory alongside his young family.
Stoll waited for the world No 2 next to the final green at TPC Sawgrass and, after sealing victory, McIlroy scooped Poppy into his arms.
Late last year, after winning the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and clinching a sixth order of merit – matching the great Seve Ballesteros – McIlroy admitted that he had been through ‘a lot this year, professionally and personally’.
Poppy McIlroy holds the Northern Irishman’s putter above her head during the Par-3 event
McIlroy played alongside Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood and their families
McIlroy carries the flag as Poppy walks with his putter during the annual Par-3 competition
‘To have Erica and Poppy here, it means a lot,’ he said.
‘It’s the first one they’ve been at in a while and for Poppy to be old enough now to sort of understand what is going on. I had to ask her if I did win, would she come out onto the 18th green with me?
‘Their support means the world to me and to be able to show Poppy what happened and some of the reasons maybe why I’m not around all of the time because I’m working or practicing.
‘Hopefully she realizes or thinks it’s worthwhile that I’m not there every night for dinner or for bedtime or whatever it is.
‘It’s incredible that they were here with me this week and I’m excited to go and celebrate with them.’
