Rory McIlroy‘s wife, Erica Stoll, went conspicuously unmentioned as the Masters champion discussed his current support network with his rumored ex-flame, CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis.
Just 11 months earlier, McIlroy had filed for divorce from Stoll, sparking 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.
However, McIlroy and Stoll have since reconciled and appeared to be every bit the happy couple after he won his first green jacket in Augusta on Sunday.
Neither Balionis nor McIlroy have addressed their rumored romance, which was never confirmed.
But when asked about by Balionis about the support system that helped him win the 2025 Masters, McIlroy mentioned his friend and caddy, Harry Diamond, and his daughter, while Erica’s name was noticeably absent.
‘I have had an incredible support system the whole way throughout my life as an only child, the support that I had from my parents, they saw some potential in me as a golfer, and they give me every opportunity to try to fulfill that potential,’ McIlroy told Balionis.
Rory McIlroy of Northern poses with his wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy when he receives his Green Jacket after winning the 2025 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia
CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis was rumored to be involved with McIlroy at one point
‘To have Poppy there and to see… you know, I want to make her proud,’ he continued. ‘I want her to be able to experience these things.
‘I said on the on the green, while I was doing the trophy presentation, I hadn’t given up for 17 years. And I think that’s a really good lesson for any young boy or girl that was watching that: Never give up on your dreams and to keep fighting for it. And if you do the work, and you put in the effort, that you can achieve anything, and hopefully, Poppy saw that today.’
The interview shared online may not be the complete segment, so McIlroy may have mentioned Erica in another portion of the discussion, which has yet to be released in full.
In any case, fans were quick to seize upon the awkwardness of the situation.
‘I’m really surprised you didn’t mention his wife at all?’ one fan joked on Instagram.
‘What about your wife support?’ asked another.
Regardless of the rumored tension, Balionis’ interview with McIlroy was revealing as he discussed the pressure of completing the career grand slam 11 years after winning The Open Championship for his third major.
‘Every year that goes by, it doesn’t happen,’ McIlroy said. ‘So all that pressure, all that it builds up.’
In the end, he explained, it felt like ‘pure relief’ when he drained the winning put in a playoff against Justin Rose.
Scottie Scheffler of the United States puts the Green Jacket on Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland during the Green Jacket Ceremony after the final round of the 2025 Masters Tournament
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.’
