Rory McIlroy’s bumpy love life – from ruthless wedding dumping to dating rumours

Just weeks after filing for divorce from his wife of seven years, Erica Stoll, world-famous golfer Rory McIlroy was rumored to be dating sports presenter Amanda Balionis. However, these rumors have been debunked, with sources confirming that McIlroy and Balionis maintain only a professional relationship.

Rory McIlroy, a Northern Irishman and one of Europe’s most successful golf players, has experienced a tumultuous love life. At 35, his career has been marked by significant romantic entanglements, with the latest involving CBS Sports broadcaster Amanda Balionis. Balionis, 38, is known for interviewing players, including McIlroy after his recent victory at the Wells Fargo Championship. They have also collaborated on McIlroy’s endorsement deal with software giant Workday.

Despite rumors, it has been confirmed by Us Weekly that McIlroy and Balionis are not dating, maintaining only a professional relationship. Balionis, who married former quarterback Bryn Renner in 2022, has recently been seen without her wedding ring and has reverted to her maiden name, fueling speculation about her marital status. Neither she nor McIlroy has commented on these rumors.

McIlroy’s divorce from Erica Stoll, with whom he shares a three-year-old daughter named Poppy, was filed in Palm Beach County State Court in Florida on May 13. McIlroy has called for a “respectful and amicable” process.

McIlroy’s love life has had its share of public attention. In 2014, he was linked to Meghan Markle during the Ice Bucket Challenge craze. Markle, who later married Prince Harry, was rumored to have had a brief fling with McIlroy after he nominated her for the challenge. Despite dinner outings and public appearances together, they were reportedly just friends.

One of McIlroy’s most notable relationships was with former world number one tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. They announced their engagement in December 2013 but abruptly ended it months later, reportedly after wedding invitations had already been sent out. McIlroy ended the engagement with a brief phone call, leading to a bitter public fallout.

McIlroy found love again with Erica Stoll, whom he met in 2012 while she was working for the PGA in America. They married in 2017 in a lavish ceremony at Ashworth Castle in Ireland, attended by celebrities such as Chris Martin and Niall Horan, with performances by Stevie Wonder and Ed Sheeran. The couple welcomed their daughter, Poppy, in August 2020.

In interviews, McIlroy praised Stoll’s understanding and lack of judgment, contrasting it with his previous relationships. Despite this, their marriage ended with McIlroy filing for divorce, emphasizing his desire for a respectful and amicable process.

As McIlroy navigates this personal turmoil, he remains focused on his golf career, seeking to maintain professionalism and privacy in his personal life.