Amanda Balionis throws shade at Rory McIlroy in interview with Bryson DeChambeau

Amanda Balionis appeared to reference during her interview with Bryson DeChambeau after the PGA Championship. A comment from the CBS reporter led to widespread speculation that Balionis was subtly criticising McIlroy.

Wrapping up her conversation with , Balionis said: "Thank you for taking the time - I know you don't have to take the time, but we appreciate it." That has been interpreted as a veiled nod to . The Northern Irish golfer was noticeably absent from media engagements for four consecutive days, an unusual move for him at a major tournament.

This was McIlroy's first showing in a major since he completed the career Grand Slam, but it began with a rocky start due to . His performance at the didn't meet expectations, with rounds of 74, 69, 72 and 72 culminating in a finish three shots over par.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

His refusal to speak to the press only heightened the frustration amongst journalists. Balionis’ remark did not go unnoticed by fans watching at home, who shared their theories on social media.

"Amanda Balionis with the subtle jab at Rory McIlroy," observed one fan on X. "Was that a dig @McIlroyRory with Amanda Balionis thanking @brysondech for the after round interview," asked another viewer.

A third golf enthusiast wrote: "@Amanda_Balionis Thank you for just letting @brysondech know that he did not have to take the time and sit down with you, the media. He knows it is part of the job and others (@McIlroyRory) should follow his lead. Keep up the great work."

The critiques of McIlroy's approach continued, with a fourth fan adding: "Amanda Balionis throwing shade at Rory while interviewing Bryson." Another asked: "Did Amanda Balionis just take a shot at @McIlroyRory for never talking with the media all week?"

DeChambeau, known for his willingness to engage with the press, sat down with Balionis and candidly discussed a round that didn't exactly pan out as hoped. The US Open champion was still coming to terms with what went wrong for him after finishing T2 at Quail Hollow, five shots off the lead.

"I'm baffled right now. Just felt like things just didn't go my way this week," DeChambeau admitted. "Drove it really well. I drove it as good as I can, as of right now, I gave myself a good chance. I just felt like a couple breaks went a different way.

"There were times where I feel like I pressed. Green Mile did it to me yesterday and kind of did it to me again today, and that's golf, man. I've got to be more precise and fix what I can fix to make myself more consistent and get up there, the likes what have Scottie is doing right now."

In light of the upcoming U.S. Open, DeChambeau expressed his determination to improve: "I'm going to work my butt to have make that happen. It's all up to manufacturing.

"We'll see what happens, but I'm keen on finding something and I'm keen on improving. I'm excited for that."

The 2025 PGA Championship was convincingly won by , who clinched the Wanamaker Trophy with a composed and consistent performance. Rising through the leaderboard, Scheffler finished an impressive 11-under par, easily claiming victory as Jon Rahm's final-round challenge dwindled.