Amanda Balionis ended a frantic and stressful weekend in New Orleans by raising a glass with friends after another marathon golf event filled with weather shambles, power outages, and a sit-down with Rory McIlroy that stole the show.
Balionis took to Instagram to post a celebratory story late Sunday night, clinking wine glasses with three friends at what appeared to be a local spot near TPC Louisiana in Avondale. The vibes were set to “Cheers to Life” by SondoMaster, especially the part of the record that says, “Let’s celebrate this moment we’re living. Raise our glasses with happy smiles.”
The 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans featured a 93-minute weather delay during the final round, thunderstorms that threatened from just seven miles out, and a network power outage so bad that CBS Sports once again had to think on the fly and play replays of last year’s event. The tournament also saw a 92-minute delay in round three, also due to inclement weather, with McIlory having to wait over an hour just to putt.
Through the chaos and literally the storms, Balionis still delivered one of the tournament’s most viral moments that was shared to her social media. It was a genuine interview with McIlroy and partner Shane Lowry, two old friends who once again put their well-known relationship on full display to the golf community.
“Trevor Immelman said this is the most relaxed and happiest he’s maybe ever seen you in your career,” Balionis posed to McIlroy after their final round. McIlroy smiled while Lowry chimed in and said, “If he’s not happy now, he never will be.”
The moment caught fire online, as fans quickly noted the easy chemistry between McIlroy and Balionis that has grown over the years through interviews. “These two are so fun together,” wrote one fan, while another joked, “The way their eyes shine when they speak tells it all.”
McIlroy remains happily married to his wife Erica Stoll, who was present for his historic Masters win earlier this year. The pair celebrated their victory with a return trip to Ireland, including a stop in London, despite speculation that his wife and daughter did not join him on the return flight home.
Even without a duo trophy in hand this season, McIlroy and Lowry made a run at defending their Zurich Classic title, tying for No. 12 place after shooting a rough 72 in the final round to finish. The duo of Benjamin Griffin and Andrew Novak outlasted Danish twins Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard by a single stroke, pocketing $2.65 million apiece for their first PGA Tour wins.
Balionis has used her time after the tournament to show her fitness progress online. She has continued her ongoing work in the dog adoption space, hosting an adoption event for Tito’s Golf Club and even involving golfer Davis Riley to help with adoption efforts for her Puppies and Golf nonprofit, which she founded as its President.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
