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Rory McIlroy and Amanda Balionis full interview transcript as pair seen hugging

04 June 2024 , 08:04
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Both Rory McIlroy and Amanda Balionis were all smiles (Image: CBS Sports)
Both Rory McIlroy and Amanda Balionis were all smiles (Image: CBS Sports)

Rory McIlroy and Amanda Balionis were reportedly seen hugging after their latest interview.

Four-time major champion McIlroy shot 13 under at the Canadian Open last weekend before crossing paths again with CBS Sports reporter Balionis. The pair have seen romance rumours circle around them in recent weeks.

McIlroy is divorcing his wife of seven years Erica Stoll, while Balionis is married to former NFL quarterback Bryn Renner but has reverted back to her maiden name and stopped wearing her wedding ring in recent months.

It's been insisted they're not dating and purely have a "professional relationship". Fans were still shocked to see them together again as McIlroy reflected on his performance at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club.

According to TMZ, they shared an embrace after the interview. They'd been all smiles throughout, with Balionis beginning: "Joining us now is Rory McIlroy, tied for the low round of the day. We're watching right now, do you think what you just did could be enough?"

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Before Scot Robert MacIntyre (-16) had gone on to claim victory, McIlroy replied: "Ah, I don't think so. I wish it was. Had a couple of good opportunities on the way in. A good chance at 14 that just missed, and also on 15 too. I mean, selfishly it would be nice if it was enough, but Bob is a good friend of mine, Ryder Cup team-mate, and it would be really good to see him get the job done."

Balionis continued: "You had an interesting week. I know on Thursday, you said you played the back nine blind, and then on Friday you felt out of whack, then you found something in your swing. Talk about the progression with this week and where you find yourself. It must give yourself a ton of confidence moving forward?"

McIlroy answered: "Yeah, didn't do a lot of practice last week. Only saw nine holes in practice. Swing was a bit of out of sorts, worked on the range Friday night and found something. Played a great weekend, 11-under.

Rory McIlroy and Amanda Balionis full interview transcript as pair seen huggingMcIlroy and Balionis' relationship status is said to be only professional despite dating rumours (CBS)

"Played both rounds with Tom Kim, which was a lot of fun, love being out there with him. We had a great weekend, probably won't be enough, but something to build on going into Memorial and the US Open."

Asking him to elaborate on his pairing with South Korean star Kim, Balionis added: "Is there something to you two being really comfortable with one another? He seems like a little brother to everybody." McIlroy joked: "He definitely makes me feel old!"

Not only does she regularly speak to him on the course, but they also worked together on McIlroy's endorsement deal with software giant Workday. Neither have publicly addressed the current situation.

Dan Burnham

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