Amanda Balionis was yet again at the center of CBS Sports’ weekend broadcast at the Masters. She was present at Augusta on Sunday to witness Rory McIlroy claim his first green jacket in spectacular fashion. She also sat down with the Irishman later for an interview to cap off another memorable Masters for her. However, for Balionis, there was one moment that she described as “unforgettable,” and it didn’t feature any star or a viral play. It was a moment spent in the company of Jim Nantz.

Nantz has been synonymous with CBS’s NFL coverage and has become the voice of the PGA Tour events. Before this year’s event in Augusta, he revealed that he plans to work the Masters for 10 more years. Balionis has always been an admirer of Nantz. “Jim Nantz is number one,” she said in an interview last year, while adding, “I don’t think he could ever get enough credit for his talent.” Now, after an outing together in Georgia, Balionis has shared her thoughts on Nantz once again, and they are not much different.

Taking to her Instagram, she posted a photo of her being seated with Jim Nantz and added the caption, “One more moment for this unforgettable Masters,” clearly touched by the experience. Balionis felt privileged to have shared some time with the iconic voice behind so many memorable golf moments. As she wrapped up her experience, she expressed her gratitude, saying, “2025 has been all about gratitude, and last week was no exception. So grateful for these experiences, the people I get to learn from and work with, and for those who somehow make the best job in the world even better. Until next year, Augusta!” 

For Balionis, what makes Nantz special is his exceptional talent and his kindness and dedication to those around him. “His memory knows no bounds; he recalls things in the moment in the most accurate way from 20 years ago that will put your jaw on the floor,” she told Links in November, highlighting his remarkable ability to bring history to life in the present moment. What really sets Nantz apart, according to Balionis, is how he carries himself as a person.

“He takes so much time to support and be an advocate for the people around him, and that’s what I want to be remembered for, too,” she said, revealing her admiration for his character. With a career spanning decades, Nantz has solidified his position as one of the all-time greats in sports commentary. As far as Balionis is concerned, the recent Masters marks another chapter in her illustrious career as well.

After the Masters, Amanda Balionis is usually the one conducting the champion’s interview. Over the years, she’s had the chance to speak with numerous winners just moments after their victories, including a memorable conversation with Dustin Johnson in 2020. But this year, that honor went to Jim Nantz.

With Rory McIlroy completing his career Grand Slam and putting an end to 11 years of heartbreak in Major championships, it was Nantz who stepped in for the momentous interview. However, Balionis did get her moment with the champion and had a sit-down interview with him.

Amanda Balionis digs up painful past for Rory McIlroy at the Masters

Rory McIlroy won the 2025 Masters, and well, his journey to the top hasn’t been without its challenges. After a shaky start to the tournament, McIlroy showed remarkable resilience, firing consecutive rounds of 66 to take the lead. But with Bryson DeChambeau hot on his heels, McIlroy knew he couldn’t afford to let his focus waver.

She shared the winning putt on her Instagram story, reposting CBS’s highlight with the caption, “Rory McIlroy is a Masters champion.” Below it, she added her own two-word note: “History made,” followed by a green check mark. She then got the chance to interview McIlroy later.

In a poignant moment, McIlroy was reminded of his heartbreaking defeat at the hands of DeChambeau at the 2024 US Open. Balionis didn’t mince words, bringing up the painful memory and asking McIlroy how satisfying it would be to have a rematch. McIlroy’s response was characteristically measured, focusing on maintaining his composure rather than framing it as a personal duel. “I think the big thing is not to make it a rematch,” he said. “Stay in my own little world… and just stay firm and just stay in my own little world.”

With a career Grand Slam, McIlroy has now joined the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in the exclusive club of golfers who have won all four majors. One thing is certain, though—McIlroy’s response to Balionis’ question shows he’s aware of the stakes and is determined to rise to the occasion.