Golf reporter Amanda Balionis is eagerly heading to North Berwick for the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open, where she will cross paths with Rory McIlroy for the first time in a while
Amanda Balionis is heading to the Scottish Open (Image: Instagram/Getty)
Golf reporter Amanda Balionis showed excitement with a passport in hand as she headed across the pond to North Berwick for the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open. The gig promises more than just elite golf; it’s her first public run-in with Rory McIlroy since their previous flirtation rumors swirled before he rekindled things with his wife, Erica Stoll.
Balionis took to Instagram, radiating excitement for the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open. Decked out in a tan Alo athleisure outfit and brandishing her passport with a green stamp, she posted, “See ya soon North Berwick,” followed by a heart emoji. Balionis tagged the Scottish Open, taking place from July 11 to 14.
In her role with CBS Sports, Balionis will cover the final two days of the tournament over the weekend, interviewing star players and those fighting for victory. McIlroy, who has been supported at the course by wife Erica Stoll this week, will be hoping he is one of those in contention for the title by the end of four days of play.
The last time Balionis interviewed McIlroy was at the RBC Canadian Open in June, amid McIlroy’s headline-grabbing divorce from Stoll in May. Speculation about a possible fling between Balionis and McIlroy skyrocketed after news of his split broke, especially since Balionis, married to former NFL quarterback Bryn Renner, was conspicuously not wearing her wedding ring.
The fan-driven romance rumors picked up steam following their seemingly flirtatious interview at the Wells Fargo Championship. Golf fans couldn’t help but notice the shared smiles and giggles between Balionis and McIlroy, sparking whispers of a budding romance.
At the time, McIlroy was planning to split from Stoll, filing for divorce and declaring their marriage was broken. However, in June, the couple called off the divorce and McIlroy addressed the unavoidable rumors about his personal life.
“There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumor is a fool’s game,” he said. “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.”
Rory McIlroy speaks to Amanda Balionis ( Image: Getty)
McIlroy and Stoll appear to be on the path to reconciliation. She was spotted supporting him on the tournament’s first day, her first public appearance at a golf event since the divorce was called off. He finished the first round five under, tied for eighth place in the tournament so far.
Although early in the competition, McIlroy’s Round 1 performance was a perfect way to bounce back from his rollercoaster ride at the 2024 U.S. Open. There, he finished second to Bryson DeChambeau in a heartbreaking finish after leading into the final few holes.
McIlroy’s putter betrayed him at crucial moments. A missed par putt on the 16th hole and a short par putt inside 3 feet on the 18th knocked him out of the running for the title.
