Amanda Balionis says goodbye to 2024 golf season in emotional post after 'heart-shattering events' as she prepares for next chapter

CBS reporter Amanda Balionis is saying goodbye to golf - for now. 

The on-air journalist revealed she's switching focus from the fairway to the football field as she begins her role as an NFL sideline reporter for the upcoming season. 

In a lengthy Instagram post, the 39-year-old spoke out about 'heart-shattering events' that occurred throughout her time covering the sport. 


As fans will recall, she is believed to have separated from her husband, former Ravens quarterback Bryn Renner, and was later linked to Rory McIlroy.

'This year had it all. From historic moments to heart-shattering events and every other emotion you can imagine in between. I love this game. I love working in sports,' she began. 

CBS reporter Amanda Balionis shared an Instagram post to celebrate the 2024 golf season

CBS reporter Amanda Balionis shared an Instagram post to celebrate the 2024 golf season

She will switch focus from the fairway to the football field as a sideline reporter at NFL games

She will switch focus from the fairway to the football field as a sideline reporter at NFL games

'Competing at the highest level requires and produces constant examples of inspiration, drama, unbridled joy, resilience, growth and teamwork,' Balionis went on.

'It's an honor to be a very small part of a tremendous team that brings these moments and stories to life each weekend. If we left you with one new favorite player, or one memorable moment you shared with loved ones than we have done our jobs. Catch ya on the NFL sidelines until next season!' 

She also shared a slideshow of snaps, in which she was seen interviewing players - including McIlroy - and presenting at several tournaments. 

In addition to golf, Balionis has experience covering both NFL and college football.

She even married Renner, a former football player, in 2022. However, they're believed to have called it quits sometime in 2024 as she removed her married name from her Instagram page. 

She was then linked to McIlroy, who filed paperwork against Erica Stoll, the mother of his three-year-old daughter, before calling off the divorce one month later.

She was previously linked to Rory McIlroy following his divorce announcement

She was previously linked to Rory McIlroy following his divorce announcement

McIlroy called off his divorce from wife Erica Stoll less than one month after she was served

McIlroy called off his divorce from wife Erica Stoll less than one month after she was served

Back in June, the Irishman made a rare statement about his personal life. 

'There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumor is a fool's game,' McIlroy told The Guardian

'Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.'

The former world number one, whose career earnings on the PGA Tour total nearly $87million, first met New York state native Erica during the 2012 Ryder Cup while she was working for the PGA of America.

They began dating several months after he abruptly called off his engagement with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki in 2014.