Emotional Rory McIlroy opens up to Amanda Balionis about the ‘joy’ of his Masters triumph two years after romance rumor

Rory McIlroy told Amanda Balionis he finally feels like he belongs at Augusta National after winning his second consecutive Masters title on Sunday.

The 36-year-old joins golf greats Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods in successfully retaining his green jacket after a wild final day.

On Saturday, birdie after birdie on his final run at Amen Corner saw him blow a six-shot lead into the second round before he regained control to move ahead of the likes of Justin Rose, Scottie Scheffler and Cameron Young at Augusta.

Two years after unfounded rumors of an affair between golf journalist Balionis and grand slam winner McIlroy, Balionis interviewed him several times during this year’s tournament.

Speaking after winning the tournament on Sunday, McIlroy described his ‘joy’ and why he believes he can get even better.

Balionis asked him: ‘Can you describe the feeling after this win? I think it’s a relief after last year. What was this year?’

Rory McIlroy tells Amanda Balionis he finally feels like he belongs at Augusta National

McIlroy leaves Balionis in hysterics during his interview at the Masters on Friday afternoon

McIlroy replied: ‘Joy and belonging. I think if you’re playing in this tournament and you haven’t won the green jacket, you still feel like you don’t belong in some way, and I felt that sense of belonging this year.

‘And then when you win, it’s just like this joy and a bit of irony, it took me so long to get one and then suddenly two came along so quickly.’

Balionis continued: ‘You also know that you have now joined the truly rarefied air, not only with a career grand slam, but also by being one of four players to successfully defend their title.

‘You already know who these players are. How would you describe this? Now when you say Tiger (Woods), Jack (Nicklaus), Sir Nick (Faldo), does this belong too? Does it belong?’

McIlroy replied: ‘Tough. I don’t know. I keep saying it’s up to others to decide, but yes, I’m getting to do things that very few people do, and it’s a really great place to be.

‘I’m incredibly grateful to be able to do this and I don’t feel like I’m done yet and hopefully there’s still a lot left in the tank.’

Of course, it was another interview with Balionis in 2024 that sparked speculation about relations between the golfer and the magnetic interviewer known for his flirtatious on-air style and ability to charm often reticent athletes.

Viewers were stunned when McIlroy did not mention his wife Erica Stoll (the mother of their daughter Poppy) during the conversation at the Wells Fargo tournament, which coincided with US Mother’s Day.

McIlroy embraces wife Erica Stoll after hitting the winning putt on the 18th green on Sunday

McIlroy poses with Erica, daughter Poppy and parents Gerry and Rosie at Augusta

Surprise turned to shock a day later when he filed for divorce from his wife of seven years, declaring their union ‘irretrievably broken’.

Looking for a reason for the unsolicited announcement, observers noted the apparent closeness between Balionis and McIlroy during the interview.

Days later, the Daily Mail broke the news of an alleged affair between the pair after McIlroy was seen picking up a takeaway on behalf of Balionis in San Diego, California, where the presenter has a home.

Neither Balionis nor McIlroy addressed the romance rumors, which were never confirmed.

However, McIlroy and Stoll soon reconciled and appear to be a happy couple.

This was underlined on Sunday afternoon when McIlroy thanked him for his support after writing another chapter of golf history.

“This is the hard part,” McIlroy said as he addressed his family.

‘First and foremost my wife and daughters Erica and Poppy. They have to put up with me at home, and believe me, it’s hard to do that sometimes.

‘But they have been my biggest supporters. This has definitely turned into Poppy’s favorite week of the year.

‘I don’t know if it was because of the Par 3 Tournament or because everyone could eat ice cream in the players’ service building.’