Rory McIlroy and CBS reporter Amanda Balionis have been creating a buzz on the PGA Tour, shortly following reports of his divorce filing from Erica Stoll, his wife of seven years, on May 13th.
The Northern Irish golfer and the sports broadcaster have become a topic of discussion on the PGA Tour due to their evident close bond., according to The Daily Mail.
Balionis, who tied the knot with former NFL quarterback Bryn Renner in 2022, conducted an interview with McIlroy following his victory at the Wells Fargo Championship held at Quail Hollow golf course in Charlotte on May 12th.
Rory McIlroy shares a heartfelt message for his mom, Rosie ❤️ pic.twitter.com/qVuiOfeaxi
— Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) May 12, 2024
The duo exuded joy as Balionis broached the subject of McIlroy’s mother, Rosie, requesting him to convey a heartfelt message to her on Mother’s Day — just a day prior to his divorce filing from Stoll in Florida.
During the PGA Zurich Classic in New Orleans last April, McIlroy shot a promotional video for Balionis’ nonprofit, Puppies & Golf. This organization aims to safeguard and support dogs, serving as a valuable community asset by offering grants to families, shelters, rescues, and aiding military veterans and organizations dedicated to rescuing and training service dogs for veterans in need.
Stoll was noticeably absent at the Masters in April, after she and McIlroy participated in the Par 3 contest at Augusta National in 2023 with their daughter Poppy, now 3.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses for a photo with his wife, Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy McIlroy during the Par 3 contest prior to the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 5, 2023 in Augusta, Georgia.
-Getty Images
Two months ago, Balionis sparked social media buzz when she was spotted without her wedding ring while reporting on the Genesis Invitational for CBS in late February.
Balionis had her ring on a week before while reporting on the Super Bowl held in Las Vegas on Feb. 11, as evident from a set of photos she posted on Instagram.
CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis talks to Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy after winning the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament on April 28, 2024.
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
The CBS journalist, who delves into college football and the NFL as well, maintains a sense of privacy regarding her personal affairs.
McIlroy and Stoll, who tied the knot in 2017, have a prenuptial agreement in place. They are also requesting joint custody of their daughter, Poppy, born in August 2020, as stated in his divorce petition.
The four-time major winner’s camp released a statement last week that “stressed Rory’s desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible.”
During practice at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, before the 2024 PGA Championship, McIlroy was seen without his wedding ring. The event concluded with Xander Schauffele securing victory with a decisive putt on the 72nd hole by a narrow margin.
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