CBS's Amanda Balionis Takes Cheeky Swipe at Rory McIlroy After Media Silence

By Lewis Barnett 19 May, 2025 7 mins read 103 Views

Look, I've watched enough post-round golf interviews to know when someone's throwing shade. And boy, did Amanda Balionis just serve up a masterclass in the subtle dig department after Rory McIlroy's bizarre media blackout at Quail Hollow.

The Northern Irishman went completely AWOL from reporters for FOUR STRAIGHT DAYS in North Carolina. Who does that? Especially after you've just won your career grand slam at Augusta last month. Like... talk about a mood swing.

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The Silent Treatment That Had Everyone Talking

McIlroy's performance was, let's be honest, pretty forgettable. He shot over par on both weekend rounds and finished outside the top 40 - his second-worst major finish since 2023. Ouch.

I actually felt a bit bad for him when officials snatched away his favourite driver after some random test showed it broke PGA rules. That's gotta sting. But still... complete media silence?

He did chat with reporters for about 20 minutes before Thursday's first round. Then? Radio silence. Ghosted everyone faster than my ex after I mentioned meeting my parents.

Did She Just...?

The real drama kicked off when CBS reporter Balionis welcomed Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm for their post-round interviews on Sunday.

After chatting with Bryson, she ended with: "We appreciate the time. You don't have to take the time so we really appreciate it."

Wait. Did she just...? Yeah, she did.

Instagram: Where Subtle Becomes Not-So-Subtle

But wait! There's more! Balionis later took to Instagram with photos of her interviews with both players, writing: "Appreciate these two for taking the time to talk after a gutting loss. Simply a reminder that no one is obligated to talk, it's a choice. And to bring us in after coming so close to a career accomplishment is awesome for teh viewer."

I nearly spat out my coffee reading that. In 2018, I interviewed a local politician who'd just lost an election by 12 votes, and even HE showed up for questions. Sometimes the hardest moments make for the most revealing interviews.

The Internet Had Thoughts (Obviously)

One fan on X immediately caught the vibe: "Amanda with the subtle dig at Rory."

Another chimed in: "I usually defend Rory from all the nonsense takes on Twitter, but yeah this isn't a hill I'll die on. Skipping all four days for any golfer on Tour, especially one of the 'faces' of the sport, isn't right"

God. Remember when athletes just... talked to people?

A third person added: "The point is the tour should obligate players to do a quick chat, the players have to much control."

Not everyone was on board with the criticism though. One defender wrote: "Who cares. He had a bad tournament. Maybe it's better to not say anything then to regret what you want to say."

Fair point. We've all said things we wish we could take back.

Meanwhile, Scottie Was Just... Scottie-ing

While all this drama was unfolding, Scottie Scheffler was busy being absolutely dominant. The 28-year-old American crushed the field on Day 4, winning his third major by five shots.

My colleague texted me during the final round: "Scottie's making everyone else look like weekend hackers." Hard to argue with that assessment.

Listen. I've covered golf for years now, and there's something about the post-round interview that's sacred. It's where we see the raw emotion, the disappointment, the elation. When players skip it... it feels like we're missing part of the story.

And Amanda Balionis? She just told us exactly how she felt about that missing chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to take lessons from a professional golf instructor?

It's not necessary to take professional lessons, but it can greatly improve your game. This is especially true for beginners and intermediate players. A qualified golf instructor can offer you personalized guidance, help correct fundamental flaws and mental aspects, and give advice tailored for your specific playing style. In some cases, self-teaching results in bad habits. Even seasoned golfers will benefit from regular tune-ups and advice with a pro. Lessons are a great investment that can lead to greater enjoyment and higher scores on the golf course.

How can I find out my handicap in Golf?

A golf score is a numerical measurement of a golfer’s potential ability. This allows golfers of different levels of skill to compete on an equal basis. For you to receive a handicap from your golf club, or a handicap agency, you will need to provide scores for at least one round (the number varies by country). The scores are then adjusted to reflect the difficulty of the golf course and the tee you played from, by using a calculation method that takes the average of the best differential scores. The national golf association or your golf club can give you detailed guidelines on handicap calculation.

What is the best way to maintain my golf club?

Proper care of your golf club will prolong their life and ensure they perform the way you intended. Cleaning club heads with soapy, soft-bristled water and a brush will help to remove dirt and grass from the grooves and head of your clubs. Check grips and shafts for wear. If they are worn, you may need to replace them every year. Store your club in a place that is dry and cool. Extreme temperature or moisture will damage your clubs. Headcovers can be used to protect woods and putters from scratches and dings during transport.

What is the correct golf etiquette when playing on the course.

Golf etiquette should be respected as much as the rules. This includes recognizing the pace of play by being ready to take your shot when it's your turn and walking briskly between shots. You should always show respect to the other players. Remain silent and calm when someone else is about to hit. Safety is equally important. Do not take a shot unless the group ahead has moved out of range. Repair divots and rake bunkers. Fix ball marks on greens. It is also polite to follow the dress code for the course that you are playing.

What are golf's basic rules?

The R&A & the United States Golf Association standardize a complete set of rules that governs the game. The essence of the game is to get the ball from the teeing grounds into the hole, using one stroke or several strokes. Playing the ball in its current position, following the course as it was found, and finishing the hole using the fewest number of strokes are all key principles. For example, if you hit the wrong ball or play from the wrong spot, or lose a ball, there are penalties. Although not a part of the golf rules, etiquette plays a vital role in the game.

How often should I play golf to improve my game?

Golf is improved by consistency and quality, not just quantity. Beginners will see improvement if they practice two to four times per week. Concentrate on devoting time to each aspect of the game - long shots, short games, and putting. A quality practice involves having a specific goal for every practice session. For example, you might want to work on your swing technique, shot precision, or distance control. If possible, use professional instruction in your practice to ensure that you are not reinforcing bad techniques. Don't just aim for the most balls possible. Make each shot count.

Why is a pre-shot golf routine important?

Pre-shot rituals help to establish consistency and focus prior to each golf shot. This leads better performance in various situations. This ritual can include identifying the target, visualizing the ball flight, rehearsals swings, and aligning the body to the target. Consistent routines can help improve mental preparation, as they provide a process that is familiar to fall back on when under pressure. It helps manage nerves, minimize distractions and allows the golfer focus solely on the shot. It is important to develop a routine which is both comfortable and repeatable but flexible enough to accommodate different shots.

Statistics

Nearly half of all beginners cite social interaction as a primary reason for continuing to play golf after their initial introduction to the sport.
Golfers who use a golf-specific fitness program can increase their drive distance by an average of 15 yards, benefitting their overall game.
Beginner golfers who invest in at least five professional lessons reduce their handicap by an average of 30% faster than those who do not seek instruction.
Junior golf programs have seen an increase in participation by approximately 20% over the past decade, indicating growing interest among younger players.
It is estimated that over 90% of dedicated golfers maintain their equipment regularly, which aids in performance consistency.
Roughly 60% of golfers who maintain a handicap index see an improvement in their scores year over year.
Studies show that practicing putting for at least 15 minutes before a round can improve a player's putting accuracy by as much as 25%.

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How To

How to master your mental game of Golf

In golf, the mental game is often regarded as half of the battle. To sharpen your mental game, it is advisable to establish a pre-shot routine, which can include visualizing the shot, breathing exercises to remain calm, and a consistent setup before swinging. By setting realistic goals, and focusing your attention on the actual process of the shot rather than its outcome, you can develop a more positive attitude. Stay present and avoid dwelling on past errors or worrying about upcoming shots. Develop a short term memory and a resilient mindset to bounceback from any failures on the golf course.