Rory McIlroy sparks romance rumours with popular golf reporter who ditched wedding ring

Rory McIlroy has recently sparked romance rumors with CBS golf reporter Amanda Balionis, following his filing for divorce from long-term partner Erica Stoll last week. Speculation intensified after Balionis was seen without her wedding ring in recent social media posts.

The rumors gained further traction due to a notably flirtatious interview between McIlroy and Balionis at the Wells Fargo Championship earlier this month. According to The Daily Mail, their apparent chemistry has become a hot topic among golf enthusiasts.

McIlroy’s divorce from Stoll, which came the day after his interview with Balionis, marked the end of their seven-year marriage. The couple first met during the Ryder Cup in 2012, where Stoll was working as a PGA transport official. Meanwhile, Balionis has been married to former University of North Carolina quarterback Bryn Renner since 2022. Despite not being publicly separated, her missing wedding ring has led to increased speculation about the nature of her relationship with McIlroy.

Adding to the intrigue, Balionis recently changed her name on social media platforms, further fueling the rumors. McIlroy, who participated in a promotional video for Balionis’ non-profit organization Puppies & Golf, maintained a professional focus on his game during the PGA Championship. He made it clear that he would not discuss his private life, emphasizing his readiness to compete. Despite a solid performance, McIlroy finished tied for 12th place. He expressed satisfaction with his current form and looked forward to upcoming tournaments after a brief respite.