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Amanda Balionis will cover the final two days of this week's Genesis Scottish Open at North Berwick, setting up an intriguing situation involving Rory McIlroy and his recent relationship drama.
Balionis, who reports on golf for CBS Sports, announced on social media that she is traveling to Scotland for the event. In an Instagram story from yesterday, CBS reporter AmBakes shared a selfie of her stamped passport with the caption "See ya soon North Berwick." She expressed excitement about covering the tournament, fueling further speculation about her interactions with McIlroy.
Amanda Balionis will be covering the last two days of the Scottish Open in North Berwick (Instagram)
The Northern Irish star's personal life has made plenty of headlines in recent months. He filed for divorce from wife Erica Stoll in May, though rescinded the filing weeks later. At the time, rumors swirled about a potential romance between McIlroy and Balionis.
As you all know, the last time Balionis interviewed McIlroy was at the RBC Canadian Open like a hot minute ago. And we all saw the flirty eye contact and ear-to-ear grins - rumors were swirling like a slice into the woods!
Neither Balionis nor McIlroy addressed the rumors directly. Obviously she's jetting off to cover the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club this weekend. But with Rory teeing it up?
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland smiles alongside his caddie, Harry Diamond on the ninth green during day one of the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club on July 11, 2024 in North Berwick, Scotland/ Getty Images
Now Balionis is assigned to North Berwick for McIlroy's first tournament back since the reconciliation with Stoll. She will have opportunities to interview and report on McIlroy over the weekend.
Stoll was spotted supporting McIlroy during the first round of the Scottish Open on Thursday, her first public appearance alongside her husband in over nine months. McIlroy is off to a strong start, tied for eighth place after an opening five-under round.
Erica Stoll walks on course during day one of the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club on July 11, 2024 in North Berwick, Scotland/ Getty Images
Erica Stoll supporting husband Rory McIlroy at the Scottish Open on July 11, 2024/ Getty Images
Rory McIlroy and his wife Erica enjoyed a dinner with his Ryder Cup teammates in London (Instagram/Diane McDonald)
Wonder if Ms. Balionis' stomach will be doing backflips at the thought of coming face-to-face with Rors again. Or if she'll manage to keep those trademark dimples on full display despite any potential tension. Either way, this reporter is stoked for the possible dramz to unfold.
All eyes will be on Balionis and how she interacts with McIlroy and Stoll. It remains to be seen if any lingering tension exists following their rumored flirtation earlier in the year, prior to McIlroy reuniting with his wife. Balionis is married herself but did little to address the dating speculations that emerged from her previous assignments covering McIlroy.
Her presence in Scotland sets up an interesting dynamic as McIlroy tries to bounce back from his agonizing US Open loss on home soil last month. Balionis' reporting will be closely watched for any signs of lingering awkwardness or unease among all parties involved.
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