Amanda Balionis snaps back at trolls after interview ignites controversy
The CBS Sports reporter hit back at critics this weekend after they took issue with how she conducted a third-round interview with Rickie Fowler at the Charles Schwab Challenge, where she spoke to the six-time PGA Tour winner about contending for a title following a duration of play in 'neutral,' according to the Irish Star.
'When we talk about being you instead of trying to be what you think others perceive as 'perfect' or 'good enough'…here is an example of how the latter is simply an impossible and draining task,' Balionis began in a since-expired Instagram Story.
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6 Amanda Balionis hit back at critics during her coverage of the Charles Schwab Challenge in May 2025.
balionis/Instagram
6 Critics took aim at how the CBS Sports reporter conducted an interview with Rickie Fowler.
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She then spotlighted two critical comments in the post, with one urging CBS to cut ties while the other griped about the 'negative' Fowler Q&A.
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Balionis concluded her post by stating, 'It's a lot easier to be yourself and figure out what feedack is actually worth listening to (spoiler: it's never the trolls you don't know) rather than trying to be what everyone else wats [sic].'
'Nobody wants the same thing and you'll end up turning yourself into an unrecognizable pretzel,' she wrote. 'Okay that's all. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk that absolutely nobody asked for.'
6 Amanda Balinois spoke with eventual Charles Schwab Challenge winner Ben Griffin.
6 She thanked fans for their support in a May 2025 Instagram Story.
Amanda Balionis/Instagram
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Balionis, who stirred buzz this month with a critical take from the PGA Championship, went on to thank her supporters Sunday after Ben Griffin sealed his second PGA Tour win at Colonial.
'Also did not expect so many amazing messages after my trolling story … thanks for the reminder that this place can be full of amazing and positive people too,' she wrote.
Fowler, who has struggled in recent years, finished Sunday in a tie for 16th at 5-under par overall.
6 Amanda Balionis' social media activity has stirred buzz this month.
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Balionis' social media activity has garnered much attention recently.
At the conclusion of last week's PGA Championship, Balionis gave shoutouts to LIV Golf stars Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm for fulfilling media duties after falling to Scottie Scheffler in the second major of the season.
The post raised eyebrows as Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, blew off the media following a rough weekend at Quail Hollow. He finished tied for 47th at 3-over.
6 Amanda Balionis spoke to Rory McIlroy following his Masters win in April 2025.
CBS Sports
'Appreciate these two for taking the time to talk after a gutting loss,' Balionis wrote in an Instagram Story. 'Simply a reminder that no one is obligated to talk, it's a choice. And to bring us in after coming so close to a career accomplishment is awesome for the viewer.'
Balinois was entangled in McIlroy's breakup drama last May when he filed for divorce from wife Erica Stoll.
Amid speculation about the nature of their relationship, Us Weekly confirmed McIlory and Balionis 'are not dating and only have a professional relationship.'
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McIlroy and Stoll reconciled in June 2024.
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