Golf broadcaster Amanda Balionis had quite the eventful birthday at this week’s Travelers Championship as Rory McIlroy continues to take some time off from the competition.
Balionis took to social media Thursday to share a photo alongside Lesley Stahl at the Travelers Championship’s annual Women’s Day breakfast, which Stahl headlined.
She captioned the post: “It took turning 38 for two iconic things to happen. 1. I had the honor of meeting and picking the brain of the legendary Lesley Stahl. She is everything. 2. I finally got what Cosmo set up for us. for every day of our lives as teenagers: successfully turning a spinning top from day to night.
A day earlier, Balionis returned to work at TPC River Highlands after a relaxing vacation with friends in the Hamptons. She was quickly greeted by a furry, smiling face that belonged to Flowers, an adorable dog who is up for adoption through her nonprofit Puppies and Golf.
“Big thanks to @travelerschamp for having @puppiesandgolf in their Fan Zone today!” Balionis posted on Instagram. “We are so grateful to spread the word about what we do while also featuring @protectorsofanimals, our local shelter of the month. Everyone loved meeting adorable and adoptable Flowers, a 3-year-old cutie who loves everyone and couldn’t wait to Give Kisses to anyone who has stopped to say hello.”
McIlroy is not present at the Travelers Championship to wish Balionis a happy birthday. Following his heartbreaking loss to Bryson DeChambeau at last week’s US Open, the Northern Irishman announced he would be taking a brief break from golf.
When McIlroy temporarily separated from his wife Erica Stoll, rumors began to circulate that he and Balionis might be more than just friends. During the RBC Canadian Open, fans believed they saw the couple exchanging flirtatious comments during an interview at Hamilton Golf and Country Club.
However, these rumors were quickly dispelled when McIlroy and Stoll decided to abandon their divorce plans ahead of the 2024 US Open. After a turbulent few weeks that culminated in a one-shot loss at Pinehusrt No. 2, the 35-year-old revealed that he would be taking a much-needed break to reset, but would return in time for the Open Championship at Royal. Troon in July.
Rory McIlroy stated: “Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my almost 17 years as a professional golfer.” And he went on to say, “As I reflect on my week, I will have some regrets throughout the tournament, mainly the 2 missed putts on the 16th and 18th on the final day.”
However, on a positive note, the golfer added: “But, as I always try to do, I will look at the positive aspects of the week that far outweigh the negatives. As I said at the beginning of the tournament, I feel closer to winning my next major championship never”.
Finally, he concluded: “The only word that would describe my career is resilience. I have proven my resilience time and time again over the last 17 years and I will do it again. I am going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and recover for my defense of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon. See you in Scotland.”
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