It was business as usual for Rory McIlroy and CBS sports reporter Amanda Balionis on Sunday.
A few days later The Daily Mail reported. McIlroy and Balionis were all smiles during interviews at the RBC Canadian Open, as the pair became “the talk of the golf course” following the Northern Irishman’s divorce from wife Erica Stoll.
McIlroy, who filed for divorce from Stoll in May after seven years of marriage, finished tied for fourth at 13 under par.
In February of this year, Balionis caused some internet controversy when she was spotted without her wedding ring, despite being married to former North Carolina quarterback Bryce Renner.
With McIlroy currently single and Balionis’ situation unclear, rumors have been circulating that the two may be dating.
However, Us Weekly denied the rumors, citing a source that said McIlroy and Balionis only have a “professional relationship.”
In previous interviews, they seemed very close to each other.
McIlroy too Filmed an ad For Puppies & Golf, which helps dogs in need.
The two would have had ample reason to avoid face-to-face interviews during recent tournaments because of rumors and drama, but they carried on as usual.
McIlroy shot a 6-under 64 in the final round on Sunday to finish at 13 under par. Robert McIntyre finished at 16 under par to win his first PGA Tour title.
Balionis asked McIlroy if he thought he could win.
“I don’t think so,” McIlroy said. From the Daily Mail“I hope so. I had a few good chances before I got here so… selfishly speaking, I hope that was enough.”
“But Bob is a good friend of mine and a Ryder Cup teammate, so it’s really great to see him get the job done.”
Neither McIlroy nor Balionis have publicly commented on the rumors, and McIlroy has said little about the divorce.
McIlroy’s manager Sean O’Flaherty released a statement following the shock split, saying the McIlroy camp “emphasized Rory’s wish to navigate this difficult time as respectfully and amicably as possible.”
