Amanda Balionis absent from Players Championship as Rory McIlroy battles for win

Rory McIlroy is set to contend with J.J. Spaun in a three-hole playoff on Monday to determine the winner of The Players Championship – and Amanda Balionis was not present for the dramatic finale

Amanda Balionis was not present at The Players Championship where Rory McIlroy delivered a fine final round performance to force a playoff on Monday.

Balionis is never far from the tee box thanks to her role with CBS, but with The Players broadcast on NBC, she is enjoying her time off. Balionis has been updating her fans about her recent adventures on social media, posting photos as she enjoyed skiing and tubing in Wyoming.

On Saturday, the journalist posted a snap of waffles and beer, tagging the location to be Corbets Cabin. But she would have likely been keeping an eye on happenings in Florida; she focused on NFL coverage toward the end of 2024, and has returned to golf for the 2025 season.

Balionis has covered the Farmers Insurance Open, WM Phoenix Open, and AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, among others. However, she was not present as McIlroy finished tied for first through 72 holes with J.J. Spaun.

As weather affected The Players and forced a four-hour delay, McIlroy shot a final-round 68 to finish 12-under. He enjoyed a tremendous start, tallying a birdie and eagle to move into contention atop the standings.

Spaun – who led entering Sunday – struggled early but eventually found his groove to shoot an even-par 72 and overcome a late-three shot deficit to force the playoff. McIlroy and Spaun will play a 3-hole aggregate playoff over holes 16, 17, and 18 to determine The Players champion.

While he can still win the tournament on Monday, McIlroy expressed frustration he didn’t get the job done in regulation. Speaking to NBC, McIlroy said: “It got really dark on 15 and 16 and I found it difficult to read the putts. All day was a bit of a battle. I’m standing here feeling like I should be going home with the trophy tonight. But I’ll reset.”

Balionis was linked to McIlroy ahead of last year’s U.S. Open as the Northern Irishman was set to split with wife Erica Stoll. Speculation first picked up steam after she interviewed McIlroy following his Wells Fargo Championship win, with fans closely watching and commenting on a flirty exchange between the pair. Balionis’ decision to stop wearing her wedding ring only added fuel to the fire.

However, McIlroy decided to ‘voluntarily dismiss’ his petition to separate from Stoll in a dramatic change of events. The pair have reconciled, and McIlroy has been steadily searching for form ahead of The Masters – where he will look to win the elusive green jacket he craves.