Rory McIlroy was interviewed by Amanda Balionis after winning the Pebble Beach Pro-Am (Image: CBS)
took part in an ‘awkward’ interview with Amanda Balionis .
The 35-year-old finished two strokes ahead of runner-up Shane Lowry to secure his maiden victory at the historic course. An eagle on the 14th hole proved crucial for McIlroy, who finished his weekend with a total score of 21-under-par.
After stepping off the course, he was quizzed by Balionis on what it meant to win at Pebble Beach for the first time in his career.
“Some people would argue that the golf courses I have won on are not up to a Pebble Beach or obviously an Augusta or whatever,” said McIlroy.
The pair were romantically linked after McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica Stoll last year (Image: CBS)
“But to win at one of the cathedrals of golf is really, really cool. I knew today was going to be tough, it was going to be exciting, there were so many guys around the lead.
“I guess I had to… with it being Pebble Beach I had to put it to the back of my mind and just go out there and try to shoot a score, which I was able to. To have that walk up 18 to take it all in was really cool.”
Fans were quick to point out the ‘awkward’ nature of McIlroy’s interview with Balionis, .
The rumour mill went into overdrive after a playful interview at the Wells Fargo Championship, where Belionis ditched her wedding ring despite being married to former NFL quarterback Bryn Renner.
McIlroy later cancelled his divorce from Stoll and never addressed the speculation about a relationship with Belionis, with none of the rumours being proven.
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Reacting to his latest interview at Pebble Beach on X (formerly Twitter), @logicisamust simply wrote: “Awkward,” alongside a grimacing emoji. @ski529 added: “Sure didn’t waste anytime getting that interview up. Wonder why?”
@Brian_Kennedy posted: “This is EMBARRASSING to watch these two after the debacle last year off-course.” @scottstolze23, meanwhile, said: “So embarrassing that this conversation even takes place.”
After the withdrawal of his divorce filing against Stoll, McIlroy made a rare public statement about his personal life as he vowed not to entertain any rumours.
‘”There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate,” he told The Guardian. “Responding to each rumour is a fool’s game.
“Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”