Amanda Balionis Admits Her Struggles Amid Attempts to Return to Normal Following the Masters

Although her favorite pastime at the Masters is walking around on Wednesdays, watching the par-3 contests, that’s the last thing CBS viewers saw Amanda Balionis doing. Racing through Augusta National with a trunk full of memories, she posted, “The most Masters to Hilton Head Trunk ever. Byeeee Augusta!” Such was the frenzied energy of the tournament week. In fact, Amanda lent her ear to those moments that almost always never make it to the big screen. Justin Rose, for instance, who has now lost the Masters in a sudden-death playoff twice, whispered to Amanda, “Obviously, I wanted to be the bad guy today, but still, it’s a momentous occasion for the game of golf.”

This is not to say that busy days don’t await Amanda anymore. Not only will she be reporting the Zurich Classic and watching Rory McIlroy team up with Shane Lowry to defend their title in New Orleans on Thursday, but the tournament will see much more of her charity, Puppies and Golf. For our readers, do expect several dog appearances in this week’s broadcast to raise awareness for adopting dogs who need homes. You might remember McIlroy himself featured in an Instagram video last year that saw him encourage someone to adopt a dog named Cuddles. All the huffin’ and puffin’ will soon be back; only Amanda here is catching up on something that has fallen by the wayside since the Masters.

In between the “Mornings at the Masters” at dawn, interviews throughout each tournament day, and special panels like “We Need to Talk” that Amanda was immersed in nonstop from April 2 through April 13, it left little to no room for workouts. So, making do with the little she has left before the weekend, Balionis is now getting back to the grind. In a video on her IG story, we can see Balionis on the treadmill, which was captioned,

“Back to it – consistency not perfection! Certainly wasn’t perfect with my 10k a day last week… doesn’t mean anything for this week!” The message is clear. Now she’s attempting to reclaim her routine, and the 10,000-step goal that seemed impossible during Masters week becomes achievable again.

Balionis was joined by a seasoned broadcast team that included Jim Nantz, Dottie Pepper, Frank Nobilo, Andrew Catalon, Trevor Immelman, and Colt Knost. After the tournament, she posted a photo of her being seated with Jim Nantz and added the caption, “One more moment for this unforgettable Masters.” As her time at the tournament came to a close, she shared her appreciation, 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!” 

While Balionis adjusts to life after Augusta, she is already looking forward to the PGA Tour’s next offering. CBS’s upcoming golf calendar promises plenty of action to fill that Masters-sized void.

Top Comment by Geocoast36

I feel so sorry for her. Who cares

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Amanda Balionis’s packed spring schedule offers new challenges

Fortunately, Balionis won’t have to wait long for her next adrenaline rush. CBS’ spring golf lineup reads like a broadcaster’s dream. The RBC Heritage kicked off immediately after the Masters. This Harbour Town tradition drew a record crowd last year, with 200,000 spectators. Balionis’ weekend coverage captured emotional moments similar to Augusta.

Next comes the Zurich Classic, which Balionis calls “one of my favorite weeks of the year.” The unique team format creates different interview dynamics. Her charity, “Puppies and Golf,” integrates into the tournament week. Last year’s event saw dramatic playoffs and record-breaking attendance. CBS’ coverage earned critical acclaim for capturing the team chemistry.

The PGA Championship at Quail Hollow looms as spring’s next major test. Balionis’ 2024 coverage included memorable interviews with Brooks Koepka. The Charlotte venue presents broadcasting challenges with its hilly terrain. CBS’s production team adapts its approach for each hole’s unique characteristics. This major typically draws over 200,000 fans throughout the week.

The Memorial Tournament caps CBS’ spring schedule with another signature event. Muirfield Village offers intimate interview settings that Balionis maximizes. Her 2024 conversations with tournament host Jack Nicklaus went viral. The event’s prestige rivals that of major championships in terms of broadcaster preparation. CBS dedicates resources similar to Augusta to its Memorial coverage.

While nothing matches the Masters’ intensity, CBS’ spring lineup keeps Balionis busy. Each tournament brings unique stories and challenges. The variety helps combat post-Augusta withdrawal. Yet her treadmill confession reveals an important truth. Even dream jobs have quiet moments between the chaos. Perhaps that’s what makes the busy weeks so special. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section below!