Latest news with #AmandaBalionis
National Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- National Post
McCARTHY: Did RBC Canadian Open's new venue make the grade?
CALEDON, Ont. — A fan with fake abs shaved into his hairy beer belly is flexing for mobile phones as the masses prepare for another well-lubricated rendition of our national anthem. Article content The rowdiest of the Saturday afternoon crowd at TPC Toronto hang and bang on the makeshift hockey boards. The well-heeled are also in the vicinity, but kept safely above the fray in cozy corporate suites. CBS stars Amanda Balionis and Colt Knost are minutes from charging onto the tee in duelling Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers hockey sweaters. Article content Social media teams buzz about, trying to decide which part of the intentional chaos to point their cameras. In the middle of it all, Mackenzie Hughes and caddie Julien Trudeau stand on the tee box having a conversation about the wind. Article content Welcome to the RBC Canadian Open. More specifically, welcome to the Rink Hole. Article content Saw lots of new things at the rink hole this week @RBCCanadianOpen and that includes fake abs shaved into belly hair. — Jon McCarthy (@jonmccarthySUN) June 9, 2025 Article content 'It's a lot of fun. I'm very proud to be Canadian. It's a great country. I'm very proud to be from here. I can feel that pride out there for us and just for people being Canadian,' Hughes said after firing his way into contention during Saturday's third round. 'Yeah, really enjoying it. Like I said, the support's been phenomenal.' Article content The rink hole, now in its seventh iteration, has become a microcosm of the RBC Canadian Open, and of modern professional sports as a whole. Article content In a media and entertainment world fighting for the next viral moment, big events are spending plenty of time, money, and brain power on figuring out how to put all the ingredients together to create perfect bite-sized content that will find its way into your algorithm. Article content 'We're not just a golf tournament, we're a sports and entertainment property,' tournament director Ryan Paul said. 'I know we continue to try to build on the Canadiana of this event and where we can add to that.' Article content In a sea of sameness on the PGA Tour schedule, the RBC Canadian Open is showcasing its differences. Article content We might secretly cringe at listening to the 10th off-key version of O Canada belted out at the Rink Hole or at seeing Mounties used as models for a world audience, but the shame of selling out was strictly a 90s thing. When getting noticed is the end game, it's simply called leaning into your strengths. Article content Looking around TPC Toronto this week, all you see is lots of people having fun, some watching golf, some not. And if you ask around the PGA Tour, the tournament has developed a reputation, both for its vibe, and for punching above its weight as a tournament and a product. Article content 'It's become a very, very good tournament,' two-time champion Rory McIlroy said before missing the cut for the first time in five appearances. 'I think because of that, and you see guys playing each and every year, I think the field then starts to become stronger because you see your peers do something, and we're all like sort of sheep out here. Once one person does something, we all sort of try to do the same thing.'
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Scottie Scheffler accuses Amanda Balionis of making him 'emotional' during interview
World No 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler has accused broadcaster Amanda Balionis of making him 'emotional' during an interview when he was asked about the support of his wife while he is on the links. Balionis got a word with Scheffler seconds after he secured the victory at The Memorial, not far from the green on hole 18. The golf host asked Scheffler about his wife Meredith's support, while he held his 1-year-old son Bennett in his arms. 'You're really trying to make me emotional now,' Scheffler said to Balionis. 'I mean, my wife is my biggest supporter. She's my best friend, and this is our life out here on the road.' It's been a lot of fun and I've had some special memories at this tournament. Yeah, definitely couldn't do it without her.' The Memorial is hosted by arguably the best golfer of all-time, Jack Nicklaus, with Balionis asking the question in reference to the wife of 'The Golden Bear', Barbara Nicklaus. An emotional Scottie Scheffler speaks with Amanda Balionis following his @MemorialGolf win 😊 — Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) June 1, 2025 'Watching you and Meredith and Bennett, it makes me think, we've been talking about Barbara Nicklaus all week this week and how she made so much of Jack's career possible with her support,' Balionis said. 'Talk about what this balance looks like and the support Meredith provides that allows you to be the best father and husband you can be while also being the No 1player in the world.' The interview was seconds after Scheffler got to hug Meredith and Bennett after the win became official. On camera, Meredith admitted to her golfing husband that their son pooped on his back and she stuck around to congratulate her partner before finding a new diaper. Scheffler is less than a month removed from his PGA Championship win at Quail Hollow, his third major victory. He was in the news for his time in North Carolina on Wednesday, as Rory McIlroy spoke out on the leak of testing drivers that involved both men. 'Two members of the media were the ones that leaked it. Again, I didn't want to get up there and say something that I regretted, either, because there's a lot of people that I'm trying to protect,' McIlroy said before the start of the Canadian Open. 'Scottie - I don't want to mention his name. I'm also trying to protect TaylorMade. I'm trying to protect the USGA, PGA of America, myself. I just didn't want to get up there and say something that I regretted at the time.'
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Amanda Balionis fights back at trolls after latest CBS golf interview sparks fresh controversy
Amanda Balionis has hit out at critics of her interview with Rickie Fowler at the weekend after trolls urged CBS to fire the reporter for being too 'negative'. The 38-year-old spoke with Fowler after his impressive three-under third round at the Charles Schwab Challenge on Saturday, which left him only four shots off the lead. Yet during their conversation at the end of the round, Balionis was slammed for pointing to the PGA Tour star's putting average - which currently ranks him 125th on the tour. She also asked him how it felt to be competing for a title again after being stuck in 'neutral' for a long period of time. Following the interview, Balionois shared screenshots on Instagram of two messages she received from trolls, which branded her a 'highly unprofessional journalist' and 'negative'. One of the messages in question also claimed that CBS 'should have fired Amanda some time ago.' While sharing the posts on her story, Balionis also fired back by stressing that trying to be 'perfect' to impress others is an impossible task. '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,' she said in the since-expired story. Amanda also added: 'It's a lot easier to be yourself and figure out what feedback is actually worth listening to (spoiler: it's never the trolls you don't know) rather than trying to be what everyone else wants 'Nobody wants the same thing and you'll end up turning yourself into an unrecognizable pretzel. Okay that's all. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk that absolutely nobody asked for.' Balionis was also in the headlines after this month's PGA Championship when she appeared to take a dig at rumored ex-flame Rory McIlroy over his bizarre four-day media snub at the tournament. Masters champion McIlroy, usually fairly generous with the time he gives media, snubbed reporters every day at Quail Hollow in a disappointing week at a course where he has won four times before. Balionis, who led CBS' coverage at the second major of the season, shared pictures on her Instagram from her interviews with Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. They both fell short in their bid to try and catch the eventual runaway winner, Scottie Scheffler. But she wrote about Rahm and DeChambeau: 'Appreciate these two for taking the time to talk after a gutting loss.
New York Post
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Amanda Balionis snaps back at trolls after interview ignites controversy
A few chirps are not going to get in the way of how Amanda Balionis handles her business. 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. Advertisement 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. AP 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. Advertisement 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. Instagram 6 She thanked fans for their support in a May 2025 Instagram Story. Amanda Balionis/Instagram Advertisement 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. Getty Images Advertisement 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.' Advertisement McIlroy and Stoll reconciled in June 2024.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rickie Fowler, Amanda Balionis Interview at Charles Schwab Challenge Causes a Stir
After the PGA Championship came to a close last weekend, CBS golf reporter Amanda Balionis felt the need to respond to critics who thought she slighted Rory McIlroy by thanking Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm for doing post-round interviews when they didn't have to. Balionis shared a post with the caption: "I don't really take criticism to heart from people I don't admire and respect." She included a message of her own: "Monday reminder of all my fellow recovering people pleasers. Needed this one today." Advertisement Just a few days later, Balionis was forced to defend herself again when two trolls sent her nasty messages following her interview with Rickie Fowler. "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," she said in a message on her Instagram story showing the hate messages. "CBS should have fired Amanda some time ago. She is a highly unprofessional journalist. Her job is to be a journalist NOT to be a giggling, flirtatious high school girl," the first part of one of the messages read. "Hey, could you be a little positive in your interviews and not bring up negative stats. Example, Rickie Fowler, [ranks] 125 in something and stuck in neutral. Very negative interview," offered an opposing viewpoint. Amanda Balionis. Amanda Balionis Clearly frustrated with the malicious messages, Balionis made it clear she won't be able to please everyone - and doesn't plan to. Advertisement "You're always going to be 'too something' for somebody. It's a lot easier to be yourself and figure out what feedback is actually worth listening to (spoiler: it's never the trolls you don't know) rather than trying to be what everyone else wants," she said. "Nobody wants the same thing and you'll end up turning yourself into an unrecognizable pretzel. Okay that's all. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk that absolutely nobody asked for." As for Fowler, he's trying to win on the PGA Tour for the first time since July 2023 when he took down Collin Morikawa and Adam Hadwin in a playoff at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. He'll start four shots off the lead held by Matti Schmid and Ben Griffin at the Charles Schwab Challenge. Related: Scottie Scheffler, Amanda Balionis Interview Turns Heads Amid PGA Championship Rickie Fowler, Amanda Balionis Interview at Charles Schwab Challenge Causes a Stir first appeared on Men's Journal on May 25, 2025
