Amanda Balionis celebrated her 38th birthday at the Travelers Championship, where she was joined by a legendary journalist and her non-profit organization’s latest adoptable pup
Amanda Balionis celebrated her 38th birthday at the Travelers Championship, which Rory McIlroy is not competing in(Instagram)
Golf presenter Amanda Balionis had a memorable birthday at this week’s Travelers Championship, while Rory McIlroy continues his break from the sport.
On Thursday, Balionis took to social media to share a picture with Lesley Stahl, who was the main speaker at the annual Travelers Championship Women’s Day breakfast. The respected journalist has shattered numerous gender barriers throughout her impressive career, including becoming the first female host of CBS’ “Face the Nation” and earning 13 Emmys and other accolades for her work as a “60 Minutes” correspondent.
Balionis captioned her post: “It took my 38th birthday for two iconic things to happen. 1. I had the honour of meeting and picking the brain of the legendary Lesley Stahl. She is everything. 2. I finally accomplished the thing Cosmo prepared us for every day of our lives as teens: successfully turning a top from day to night.”
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The day before, Balionis returned to work at TPC River Highlands after a relaxing holiday with friends in the Hamptons. She was immediately welcomed by a smiling furry face named Flowers, an adorable dog available for adoption through her non-profit organisation “Puppies and Golf.”
“A massive thanks to @travelerschamp for having @puppiesandgolf in their Fan Zone today! ” Balionis posted on Instagram. “We are so grateful to spread the word about what we do while also showcasing @protectorsofanimals, our local shelter of the month. Everyone loved meeting adorable, adoptable Flowers a 3-year-old cutie who loves everyone and couldn’t wait to give kisses to anyone who stopped to say hi.”
McIlroy is not present at the Travelers Championship to wish Balionis a happy birthday. Following his heartbreaking loss to Bryson DeChambeau at last week’s U.S. Open, the Northern Irish golfer announced he’d be taking a brief break from golf.
Around the time McIlroy temporarily separated from his wife Erica Stoll, rumours started swirling that he and Balionis might be more than just friends. During the RBC Canadian Open, fans thought they saw the pair exchanging flirtatious banter during an interview at Hamilton Golf and Country Club.
However, these rumours were quickly quashed when McIlroy and Stoll decided to abandon their divorce plans ahead of the 2024 U. S. Open. But after a turbulent few weeks culminating in a one-stroke defeat at Pinehusrt No.2, the 35 year old revealed he’d be taking a much-needed break to recharge, but would return in time for the Open Championship at Royal Troon in July.
