Amanda Balionis makes announcement as Erica Stoll strides fairways with Rory McIlroy
Amanda Balionis Makes Waves as Erica Stoll Joins Rory McIlroy on the Fairways
Golf fans are buzzing with excitement as Erica Stoll was seen walking the fairways alongside her husband, Rory McIlroy, at the Genesis Scottish Open. Adding to the intrigue, CBS reporter Amanda Balionis has announced her arrival to cover the tournament’s final two rounds.
Balionis took to Instagram to confirm that she is heading to The Renaissance Club, where McIlroy is aiming to make history. This announcement came just a day after Stoll was spotted following McIlroy, marking her first public appearance on the course since their surprising decision to call off their divorce last month.
The drama began on May 14, when McIlroy, 35, filed for divorce from Stoll, 36, just days before the US PGA Championship at Valhalla. Speculation intensified with an unsubstantiated report from the Daily Mail, suggesting that McIlroy was developing a romance with Balionis, 39, who was also reportedly undergoing a divorce. However, on June 11, McIlroy confirmed that the divorce was off and that he and Erica had resolved their differences.
In an interview with The Guardian, McIlroy addressed the rumors, saying, “There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumor is a fool’s game. 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.”
Despite the personal upheaval, McIlroy nearly secured victory at the US Open at Pinehurst No. 2, falling just one shot short to Bryson DeChambeau after missing two critical putts on the closing holes. Following this near-miss, McIlroy took a few weeks off to recover before returning to competitive action at the Scottish Open.
This week, McIlroy aims to become the first player to successfully defend the Scottish Open title. He is currently just three shots behind the leader as he heads into the weekend at the co-sanctioned DP World Tour and PGA Tour event. Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg leads at 12-under par after two rounds of 64.
Stoll, offering her support, will be present throughout the week, watching McIlroy’s every move at The Renaissance Club. McIlroy is in contention for his third PGA Tour title of the season, and a 27th career victory on Sunday could lead to an intriguing moment on the 18th green with both Erica and Balionis present.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the potential drama. One fan joked, “Can you imagine if Rory wins this week… Erica runs on for a hug but Amanda wants an interview!” Another commented, “Oh boy, Amanda is on the way, and Erica is out there with Rory.” A different fan added, “Cannot wait to see Rory, Erica, and Amanda all on the 18th green together on Sunday LOL.” Despite the rumors, one fan remarked, “Clearly nothing happened between them, but I am totally here for all the drama.”
Balionis informed her followers of her arrival at the Scottish Open via Instagram, posting, “See ya soon North Berwick,” and tagging CBS Sports and the Scottish Open.
Meanwhile, McIlroy and Erica were seen dining with members of the 2023 European Ryder Cup team, including captain Luke Donald and his wife Diane. During this dinner, they learned that Keegan Bradley was appointed as the 2025 US Ryder Cup captain—a revelation made public on Monday.
### McIlroy’s Quest for Major Glory
As McIlroy prepares to defend his title this weekend, he also aims to end a decade-long drought in major championships at the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon next week. With Erica’s unwavering support and Balionis covering the event, the stage is set for an exciting and potentially dramatic weekend at The Renaissance Club.
