Amanda Balionis Throws Shade at Rory McIlroy During Bryson DeChambeau Interview

So, here’s the scoop: CBS reporter Amanda Balionis stirred the pot a bit with a comment that had folks talking after Bryson DeChambeau’s final round at the 2025 PGA Championship. I mean, it was one of those moments that just makes you go, “Whoa, did she really just say that?”

Balionis, who’s 38, was chatting with DeChambeau, 31, right after he wrapped up his round on Sunday, May 18. Now, DeChambeau didn’t exactly have the best day on the course, falling out of contention, but he still took the time to talk to Balionis. She kicked things off by saying, “We appreciate the time. You don’t have to take the time to do this. So we appreciate it.”

DeChambeau ended up tying for 2nd place with a final round score of 70, which was five strokes behind the winner, Scottie Scheffler. But, honestly, the real drama was happening off the course. You see, this interview came right after Rory McIlroy had been MIA from the media scene for four straight days at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club. Talk about a contrast!

Golf fans were quick to catch on to the timing of Balionis’ comment. One viewer tweeted, “Balionis with a not-so-subtle drive by on Rory at the end of that Bryson interview 😳.” Another chimed in, “Amanda Balionis with the subtle jab at Rory McIlroy.” It’s like everyone was in on the joke except for Rory!

Now, let’s not forget that Balionis and McIlroy, 36, were rumored to be dating last year after McIlroy’s divorce from Erica Stoll in May 2024. But, Us Weekly cleared the air, confirming that there was never anything romantic between Balionis and McIlroy. So, it’s all just a bit of gossip, really.

McIlroy faced a ton of backlash for his media blackout over the weekend. Reporter Kyle Porter didn’t hold back, calling McIlroy’s behavior “bizarre.” He tweeted, “I don’t get real wound up about players missing media for a round or honestly even several of them. He talks a ton, more than anyone, and I don’t need his quotes to write a dumb newsletter. But to not talk at all after play started on Thursday (especially given all the requests) is out of character and — whether it’s fair or not — an abdication of responsibility as one of the greats.” Ouch!

McIlroy, fresh off winning the career grand slam at the Masters Tournament in April, ended the weekend tied for 47th. It’s been a rocky road for him and the media lately, and this wasn’t the first time it showed. Remember the Masters? He skipped out on talking to the press after a rough opening round that included two double bogeys in his last four holes. Not a great look.

Before the Masters, McIlroy had defended the right of golfers to skip media availability. He said, “Every other athlete, whether it be in the NBA, NFL, they’re obligated to speak to you guys after a game. We’re not. Whether that’s something that the PGA Tour looks to in terms of putting that into their rules and regulations, but as long as that’s not the case and we have that option to opt out whenever we want, expect guys to do that from time to time.”

So, yeah, it’s clear that McIlroy’s relationship with the media is a bit complicated. And with Balionis’ cheeky comment, it seems like the drama is only heating up. Who knows what’s next in this ongoing saga?