The reporter rumoured to have had a relationship with Rory McIlroy sent him a message after watching him celebrate his Masters win with his wife and daughter.
CBS sports reporter Amanda Balionis, 38, hailed Rory McIlroy’s ‘legacy’ achievement after he became only the sixth man to complete the sweep of golf’s four major honours.
Balionis’ comments come just months after rumors suggested that she and McIlroy had been having some form of a relationship while they were both out on tour. None of these rumors have been proven and neither Balionis nor McIlroy have outright addressed them.
On Sunday, McIlroy wasted no time in putting his wife of eight years, Erica Stoll, and their four-year-old daughter Poppy at the centre of his celebrations, posing for photos with the pair who have been a visible support in recent months.
Balionis wrote: ‘It took 17 Masters starts, 11 years of attempting to complete the career Grand Slam and 73 this week but Rory McIlroy has his Green Jacket and has solidified his legacy alongside Tiger, Jack, Gary, Hogan and Sarazen. What a week and a battle down to the very end.’
McIlroy’s public displays of affection with his wife follow their reconciliation after a tumultuous few months in 2024.
CBS sports reporter Amanda Balionis congratulated Rory McIlroy after his success at the Masters
The Northern Irishman was joined and – celebrated – at Augusta by his wife of eight years Erica Stoll
Last year, rumors suggested that Balionis and McIlroy had been having some form of a relationship while they were both out on tour
In May of that year, McIlroy sent shockwaves through the golfing world when he filed for divorce just days before the beginning of the PGA Championship, the second major championship of the golfing calendar.
It appeared to signal the end of a relationship that had begun in 2014, when Stoll was still working as a manager of championship volunteer operations for the Professional Golfers’ Association of America.
There was then speculation of a potential romance with Balionis after the pair appeared to enjoy a strong rapport during a flirtatious interview at the Wells Fargo Championship.
But a month later, with the golf world still reeling from news of the split, came an equally unexpected twist as it emerged McIlroy and Stoll had reconciled their differences, with the divorce petition voluntarily dismissed.
‘Responding to each rumour is a fool’s game,’ McIlroy said last summer, venturing a rare public comment on the tumult in his private life.
‘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.’
However, that did not halt chatter about a potential relationship with Balionis, especially after fans pointed out the ‘awkwardness’ of their interaction earlier this year.
After winning his first ever event at Pebble Beach in February, McIlroy spoke Balionis in a post-final round interview and addressed what it meant to win at the tournament.
Balionis caught up with Rory McIlroy ahead of the final round at Augusta National on Sunday
The apparent chemistry between Balionis and McIlroy sparked rumors of a romance last year
However, longtime golf fans claimed pointed out how ‘awkward’ the interview between the two was at Pebble Beach in February
Longtime golf fans were quick to point out how ‘awkward’ the interview between the two was considering the events of 2024.
‘This is EMBARRASSING to watch these two after the debacle last year off-course,’ wrote one user on X, formerly Twitter.
Another user said, ‘Sure didn’t waste anytime getting that interview up. Wonder why?’
Balionis stole a moment with McIlroy again last week ahead of the final round of the Masters. The Northern Irishman detailed how he planned to topple Bryson DeChambeau and end his long wait for a major.
After securing that victory, McIlroy wasted no time in rejoicing with his family. His wife Erica has been a visible supporter in recent months and recently appeared at TPC Sawgrass when he clinched his second Players Championship.
After becoming only the sixth man to complete the career Grand Slam, McIlroy went straight to Stoll, who wowed in an all-white ensemble and dramatic wide-brimmed hat, and pulled her into an embrace.
He then knelt down to hug Poppy, who looked overwhelmed by the occasion, before scooping her into his arms as the tears continued to spill over.
During an emotional Green Jacket ceremony, he said: ‘Last but not least, over to my left, my family, my team.
‘They’ve been on this journey with me the whole way through. They know the burden that I’ve carried to come here every year and try and try and try again,’ he continued after recomposing himself.
‘The one thing I would say to my daughter Poppy, never give up on your dreams. Never ever give up on your dreams. Keep coming back. Keep working hard.’
