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Rory McIlroy, one of the most prominent names in world golf, and Amanda Balionis, a reporter for CBS, have become the most talked about topic on the PGA Tour. This comes just over a week after it was revealed that McIlroy has filed for divorce from his wife, Erica Stoll, to whom he was married for seven years.
As reported by The Daily Mail, the close relationship between the Northern Irish golfer and the sports broadcaster has caught the attention of everyone on the PGA Tour circuit. Speculation about a possible relationship between the two increased after several friendly exchanges and complicit smiles at recent tour events.
The spark of the rumors was notably ignited on May 12, when Balionis interviewed McIlroy following his victory at the Wells Fargo Championship at Charlotte's Quail Hollow Golf Course. During the interview, the two showed great complicity, especially when Balionis mentioned McIlroy's mother, Rosie, and asked the golfer to send a special Mother's Day message.This friendly gesture came just a day before McIlroy officially filed for divorce in Florida.
The bond between McIlroy and Balionis is not something completely new. In April, during the PGA Zurich Classic in New Orleans, McIlroy participated in a promotion for Puppies & Golf, a non-profit organization founded by Balionis.
The collaboration on this charitable cause and recent public interactions have led many to wonder if there is more than just a professional friendship between McIlroy and Balionis. In the meantime, the golfer and the reporter are moving forward with their careers, with McIlroy focused on his upcoming tournament and Balionis continuing his work at CBS and his charitable projects.