McIlroy started the Masters in fine form, sharing the lead with Sam Burns after an opening round of 67 with five birdies. According to Daily Mail - Sport, McIlroy described feeling nervous but patient ahead of the tournament, emphasizing a focus on a good start. He and his wife Erica Stoll reconciled after the divorce filing and appear to be a happy couple.
Past rumors alleged a romantic relationship between McIlroy and CBS reporter Amanda Balionis, with claims of an affair in 2024, though whether it actually occurred remains unclear. McIlroy filed for divorce from Stoll in May 2024, a day after an interview with Balionis where he did not mention his wife on Mother's Day, but the specific reasons behind the filing have not been disclosed. During an interview on day one of the Masters, McIlroy and Balionis showed no awkwardness, according to multiple reports.
It is a very male-orientated world. People will quite easily pull you down. That shows how determined she was to brush everything under the carpet and prove she's good.
Balionis is covering the Masters as part of CBS's golf team and may interview McIlroy on Sunday if he retains the green jacket. Her career is blossoming, with a new man in her life, though the identity of her romantic partner is unknown. She has faced criticism but has a strong support network, and CBS has shown faith in her, including sending her to cover Wimbledon.
According to Daily Mail - Sport, April Tod described Balionis as determined to prove herself in a male-orientated world. How Balionis personally feels about the ongoing rumors and media attention is not publicly known.