Rory McIlroy sparks romance rumours with golf reporter that ditched wedding ring (2024)

Rory McIlroy and Amanda Balionis are the subjects of recent romance rumours (Image: Getty)

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A flirty interview between Balionis and McIlroy at the Wells Fargo Championship earlier this month set tongues wagging, and according to The Daily Mail, the apparent chemistry between the pair is 'the talk of the links'.

McIlroy's divorce was filed the day after the interview, ending a seven-year marriage to Stoll. The two met during the Ryder Cup in 2012, where Stoll worked as a PGA transport official.

Balionis has been married to former University of North Carolina quarterback Bryn Renner since 2022. And while they are not known to be separated, the absence of her wedding ring in recent appearances has fanned the flames of speculation.

Rory McIlroy was interviewed by Amanda Balionis at the Wells Fargo Championship (Image: Getty)

They were fanned even further when the well-known reporter recently changed her name on X (formerly Twitter) from Balionis Renner to Bailionis.

Back in April, McIlroy took part in a promotional video for Balionis' non-profit venture, Puppies & Golf. But last week it was strictly down to business as the Northern Irishman attempted to win his first major title in a decade at the scene of his most recent triumph in Valhalla.

The four-time major winner's pre-tournament press conference began with a disclaimer that he would not be discussing matters concerning his private life, although he made it clear that he was 'ready to play'.

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A solid but unspectacular performance saw McIlroy finish 12 under par, tied for 12th place and nine shots behind winner Xander Schauffele. "Obviously started the week well, and then I've obviously played decent over the weekend," he said.

"Overall [I'm] playing solid, [my] game is in good shape, and I've got a week off and then another busy stretch coming up. I've been on a big stretch of golf here. I think this was my sixth event in seven weeks.

"I've got a week off and then I'm playing another four in a row. I'm feeling good about my game. I feel like things are sort of clicking more, especially after the win in New Orleans. Obviously I played well last week in Charlotte. I have a week here to sort of reset and try to get going again."

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