Rory McIlroy and CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis embraced on Sunday following the golfer’s post-Canadian Open sit-down as rumors swirl about the nature of their relationship.
McIlroy, who filed for divorce from wife Erica Stoll in May after seven years of marriage, could be seen hugging Balinois on set at Hamilton Golf & Country Club in Ontario, according to images published Monday by TMZ.
The Northern Irishman, 35, finished the tournament tied for fourth at 13-under par, three strokes off the lead of winner Robert MacIntyre at 16-under.
Though Sunday was business as usual for McIlroy and Balionis, the two have been at the center of romance buzz following the PGA Tour star’s divorce revelation.
The Daily Mail reported on May 22 how McIlroy and Balionis were the “talk of the links,” only for Us Weekly to shut down dating speculation days later, confirming they “only have a professional relationship.”
Balionis wed former North Carolina quarterback Bryn Renner in 2022.
She sparked a social media frenzy in February after being seen without her wedding ring.
McIlroy filed divorce docs in Florida last month, with the filing noting the union was “irretrievably broken.”
He and Stoll share one daughter, 3-year-old Poppy, with whom they’re seeking split custody. The pair also has a prenup.
The news of McIlroy’s divorce came two days before the start of the first round of the PGA Championship.
His camp released a statement that McIlroy “will not be making any further comment,” and “stressed Rory’s desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible.”
In a pre-tournament press conference, a moderator asked the media to refrain from questions about McIlroy’s personal life.
When asked how he was doing personally, McIlroy responded, “I am ready to play this week.”
The four-time major winner, who won the PGA Championship in 2012 and ’14, tied for 12th this year at 12-under.
