You’ve probably noticed the silence on your TV screen lately. If you’re a golf fan who tunes in for the weekend walk-and-talks, the absence of Amanda Balionis is impossible to miss. She’s become the heartbeat of the CBS broadcast, the one person who can actually get a candid quote out of a stone-faced pro after a triple bogey.
But suddenly? Gone.
People are freaking out. They're searching for terms like amanda balionis pga tour hiatus as if she vanished into thin air. Honestly, the rumor mill has been working overtime. Some folks thought she quit. Others whispered about those old, debunked Rory McIlroy rumors.
The truth is way less scandalous. It's basically just a mix of weird TV contracts and a much-needed vacation in Cabo.
The Reality of the Amanda Balionis PGA Tour Hiatus
Let’s get the facts straight. Amanda didn’t leave CBS. She hasn't been fired. She isn't in some secret dispute with the PGA Tour.
The "hiatus" everyone is talking about right now—specifically in early January 2026—is actually a planned break. While the PGA Tour kicked off its 2026 season with the Sony Open in Hawaii this week, Amanda has been posting from Cabo San Lucas.
She literally called it a "cheat code."
On January 12, 2026, she shared some photos of herself relaxing by the ocean, holding a can of tequila and wearing a red swimsuit. She told her followers that traveling in mid-January is way better than trying to do a New Year's trip. It helps with the "holiday come down."
We've all been there.
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But there’s a bigger reason you haven't seen her on the grass lately.
It’s All About the Network Rights
Television is complicated. CBS doesn't own every weekend of the golf calendar.
For the last several years, including the 2025 season, CBS has shared the broadcasting rights with NBC and ESPN. There are long stretches—sometimes seven or eight events in a row—where CBS simply doesn't have the "A-crew" on-site because they aren't the primary broadcaster.
Remember the 2025 Masters?
Fans were confused then, too. Amanda was confirmed for the coverage but didn't show up on Thursday or Friday. Why? Because ESPN had the rights for those first two days. She didn't pop up until the weekend when CBS took over.
It’s the same thing happening now. The early season schedule often sees shifts in who is behind the mic.
- Network Rotation: CBS, NBC, and Golf Channel swap duties.
- The NFL Factor: Amanda isn't just a golf girl. She's a massive part of the CBS NFL sidelines.
- Off-Season: Golf doesn't really have a "down" period anymore, so the talent has to carve it out manually.
Why We Care So Much (The "Balionis Effect")
It’s kind of wild how much a sideline reporter can impact the vibe of a broadcast.
Amanda joined CBS in 2017. Before that, she was doing in-house stuff for the PGA Tour and Callaway. She’s been around the block. But what makes her different is the rapport. When she interviewed Rory McIlroy after his 2025 Masters win (yeah, he finally got that Green Jacket), the interview went viral not because of the questions, but because of the genuine emotion.
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She knows these guys. She knows their families.
When a reporter like that goes on a hiatus, the broadcast feels a little colder. A little more corporate.
The NFL Crossover
We also have to talk about her "other" job.
On January 5, 2025, Amanda was on the field at Paycor Stadium for the Bengals vs. Browns game. Covering the NFL is her "absolute favorite ritual," according to her own Instagram.
The NFL season is a grind. It involves constant travel, sub-zero temperatures, and high-stakes reporting. By the time the Super Bowl cycle ends and the PGA Tour starts heating up in February, she’s usually due for some time off.
That’s exactly what this 2026 "hiatus" is. It’s the transition period between the end of the NFL regular season and the "big" golf events like the WM Phoenix Open and the Masters.
Addressing the Rumors
Look, we have to touch on it because it's always in the comments.
Last year, the internet went crazy with rumors about her and Rory McIlroy. It was fueled by a few "flirty" interviews and the fact that she wasn't wearing her wedding ring.
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Both parties basically ignored it. Rory stayed with his wife, Erica Stoll. Amanda kept doing her job.
If you’re looking for a dramatic reason for her current absence, you won’t find it there. She’s just a professional taking a vacation after working 18 weeks of football and preparing for a massive 2026 golf season.
What’s Next for Amanda?
If you're missing her on the broadcast, don't worry. The "hiatus" is temporary.
The PGA Tour schedule gets really intense in February. We’ve got the WM Phoenix Open and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am coming up fast. These are "Signature Events" with huge purses and the best players in the world.
CBS will be there in full force.
Expect to see Amanda back in her element by the time the Tour hits the West Coast swing. She’s already confirmed she’ll be at Augusta National later this year for the Masters.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you want to keep track of where she is and when she's coming back, here's the best way to do it:
- Check the Network: Look at the tournament listing. If it’s an NBC or Golf Channel-exclusive week, Amanda won’t be there.
- Follow the NFL Schedule: If CBS has a big playoff game, there’s a high chance she’s on a football field, not a fairway.
- Watch for "Signature Events": This is where CBS puts their primary team. These are the weeks she is most likely to be on your screen.
- Instagram is the Source: She’s very transparent about her travel. If she’s in Cabo, she’s on a break. If she’s in a production truck with a coffee, she’s back to work.
Ultimately, the Amanda Balionis PGA Tour hiatus is just a normal human taking a break from a very public, very demanding job. She’ll be back to asking the tough questions on the 18th green before you know it.
Keep an eye on the WM Phoenix Open coverage—that's usually where the "real" season starts for the CBS crew.