CBS Sports journalist Amanda Balionis posts two-word response to Rory McIlroy’s historic Masters triumph
REPORTER Amanda Balionis posted a brief reaction to Rory McIlroy’s Masters victory.
The Northern Irishman finally got his hands on the green jacket last night as he completed the Grand Slam by winning all four majors.
McIlory burst into tears after beating Justin Rose in a decisive play-off round.
His wife Erica Stoll and four-year-old daughter Poppy joined him on the green to celebrate.
The success comes nearly a year after McIlroy filed for divorce from his partner before a shock U-turn.
In the period between the bombshell announcement and their eventual reconcile, rumours began to circulate that he had struck up a romance with CBS Sports host Balionis.
In response to McIlroy winning the Masters, she commented on a post online: “History made”.
The words were in reference to him becoming just the sixth player ever to complete the Grand Slam after Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tiger Woods.
Balionis was going through her own separation from American football coach husband Bryn Renner when McIlroy initially filed for divorce.
The golf journalist then interviewed him at the Canadian Open and fans believed there was a “flirty” element to the chat.
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Reports from the Daily Mail last year claimed their relationship had become “the talk of the links” and “left many fans wondering just how close the pair have become”.
Neither McIlroy or Balionis addressed the rumours before US Weekly later rubbished them and claimed they were just friends.
The world No2 has since got back with wife Erica after “realising that our best future was as a family together” and “resolving our differences”.
Masters 2025
RORY McILROY finally won the Masters to complete an epic Grand Slam after YEARS of waiting.
The fans’ favourite fell to his knees and roared in celebration after beating Justin Rose in a dramatic play-off.
McIlroy later broke down in an emotional TV interview as he said: “A moment like that makes all the years and all the close calls worth it.”
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