All eyes were on Rory McIlroy as he stayed at the top of the 2025 Masters leaderboard, finally shedding the “burden” of an 11-year wait since his last major win in 2014. It was redemption for him. The roar of the crowd, along with the long-lens cameras capturing the moment, was one thing, but his victory also witnessed his rumored former flame and CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis acknowledge the history the golfer created.

In early 2024, rumors started circulating that the golfer and Balionis were romantically involved. What fueled it further was that McIlroy had filed for divorce from his wife, Erica Stoll, and many noticed that the CBS reporter had ditched her wedding ring and married last name. However, neither of the sides addressed these speculations, and McIlroy later called off his divorce, but the 2025 Masters brought them all face to face.

Amanda Balionis shared two Instagram stories on Sunday that captured everyone’s attention. First, there was the heart-stopping video of Rory McIlroy’s last putt, which marked his victory as the 2025 Masters champion. Her caption? Emotionally charged, strong, and straightforward: “Rory McIlroy is Masters Champion. History Made.” Her next story, which seemed like a mic-drop moment, was a picture of her car trunk filled to overflowing with souvenirs, golf equipment, and baggage. “The most Masters to Hilton Head Trunk ever. Byeeee Augusta!” But that’s not where it ends!

Since Thursday, Balionis has been providing coverage of the Masters 2025 for CBS Sports, hosting multiple interviews across the week. Although she had a variety of on-air responsibilities, the most talked-about part was her interview with McIlroy following his historic victory. In an interview with Amanda Balionis that captivated viewers, McIlroy revealed his strategy for conquering his obstacles and donning the Green Jacket for the first time in his career. “I think the thing is to not make it a rematch,” McIlroy told Balionis on air, adding that he plans to “stay in his own world” to drown out the noise of the patrons at Augusta. McIlroy and DeChambeau had faced each other at the final of the 2024 US Open, which had given the stage for a rematch this time in the 2025 masters as well. However, the 2025 Masters Champion did not want that to be a rematch.

And so, owing to McIlroy’s hard-earned victory, Balionis wrote in an Instagram post: “It took 17 Masters starts, 11 years of attempting to complete the career Grand Slam and 73 this week but Rory McIlroy has his Green Jacket and has solidified his legacy alongside Tiger, Jack, Gary, Hogan and Sarazen. What a week and a battle down to the very end.”

There’s no sign that her coverage was solely about McIlroy, even though her Instagram stories featured significant events like his victory. According to her farewell post, Balionis continued to fulfill her duties as a committed sports journalist.

Amanda Balionis reflecting on her Master’s journey!

The 2025 Masters was not just a big moment for the golfers but also for others. And Amanda Balionis was one of those. She paused to consider her time at Augusta. Ahead of the final round, she spoke about her time covering the event and all that she cherishes about it.

“I’ve been out here since 2011. I started as the in-house reporter for the PGA Tour. So I was actually just talking to Harris English about this earlier in the week. It’s like, he said he was like, ‘My rookie year was close to your rookie year’. He’s like, we’ve all kind of come up in this together, and it’s so meaningful to watch the process, right?”

“And to watch these guys battle adversity, overcome injuries, and have to overcome swing changes and self-doubt, all the things that come with being a professional golfer, right? Not an easy sport. And to watch them then accomplish their dreams is I would say it’s so satisfying, right?”

Later on, she acknowledged the historic aspect of McIlroy’s victory and her involvement in covering it, which she expressed through her social media posts.

Fans and followers found resonance in Balionis’s open and honest account of her journey, which provided an intimate look into the life of a sports journalist covering one of the most prominent tournaments in golf. Her candor regarding the tournament’s emotional impact deepened the public’s comprehension of its importance. ​

As she proceeded to her subsequent mission, Balionis’s contemplations demonstrated the timeless appeal of the Masters and the interpersonal relationships that render reporting on such occasions an unforgettable experience. What do you think?