Amanda Balionis was seen back on TV on Saturday night, less than a week after Rory McIlroy‘s Masters triumph.
The Northern Irishman became only the sixth man to clinch the career Grand Slam last Sunday after prevailing in a nail-biting play-off hole against Justin Rose.
McIlroy, whose previous major success came at the 2014 PGA Championship, celebrated the moment with his wife of eight years Erica Stoll and their four-year-old daughter Poppy.
However, just 11 months ago, 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.
McIlroy and Stoll have since reconciled and appeared to be every bit the happy couple after he won his first green jacket in Augusta.
It must be noted that neither Balionis nor McIlroy ever addressed their rumored romance, while reports claimed they maintained a strictly professional relationship – and that there was no romantic involvement between them.
Amanda Balionis was back on TV on Saturday, a week on from Rory McIlroy’s Masters triumph
Speculation emerged last year of a possible romance between McIlroy and the CBS reporter
McIlroy celebrated his Masters triumph last week with his wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy
And on Saturday, Balionis – who witnessed every dramatic McIlroy moment at Augusta – was back presenting golf coverage at the RBC Heritage tournament on the PGA Tour.
The 38-year-old, who split from husband Bryn Renner in 2024, was seen speaking to US golfer Maverick McNealy in one clip that went viral on social media after he struck an impressive six under during the third round of the tournament.
It comes after McIlroy had also conducted an interview with Balionis following his Masters triumph.
But when asked about 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.
‘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.’
Regardless of the rumoured 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.
McIlroy sat down for an interview with Balionis in the aftermath of his victory at Augusta
Balionis was present for every dramatic moment as McIlroy complete a career Grand Slam
Balionis had caught up with McIlroy for TV ahead of the final round at Augusta on Sunday
‘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 play-off against Justin Rose.
After securing that victory, McIlroy wasted no time in rejoicing with his family as he 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.’
