Amanda Balionis Announces PGA Tour Comeback Date After Emotional Farewell
Amanda Balionis has officially announced her return to the PGA Tour, generating excitement among golf fans. After taking a well-deserved break, the CBS sports reporter is ready to rejoin the Golf on CBS team. She shared the news through an Instagram story, marking her comeback with a playful tone.
Amanda Balionis’s Emotional Farewell
Balionis’s departure from the PGA Tour back in September 2025 was particularly poignant. She expressed her feelings in an Instagram reel that highlighted her most cherished moments from the season. In her farewell, she reflected on the incredible experiences of 2025, stating, “Hard to believe that’s a wrap on the 2025 season. 19 weeks of incredible moments and memories.”
Challenges Faced in the 2025 Season
During the 2025 golf season, Balionis faced considerable challenges. She dealt with a herniated disc and pinched nerve, all while covering numerous events. By December, her body was in dire need of recovery after an exhausting schedule that included both golf and NFL reporting.
- Completed 19 weeks of PGA Tour coverage
- Transitioned to NFL sideline reporting
- Faced health issues impacting her performance
Viewership Growth and Career Evolution
In 2025, CBS’s golf viewership increased by 17%, with Balionis playing a key role in this success. As a result, CBS modified her 2026 role, reducing her golf events to a range of 12 to 18, signaling their trust in her capabilities. Rather than functioning as a walking reporter, Balionis will focus on high-impact interviews with athletes post-round.
From Marketing to Broadcasting
Amanda Balionis’s journey has been anything but linear. In 2016, she thought her broadcasting career was over. After moving from Jacksonville to San Diego for a marketing position at Callaway Golf, fate intervened when a colleague offered her a role at the PGA Championship broadcast team. This opportunity eventually led to her hiring by CBS. Balionis shared her journey, saying, “Time to start over and trust that you did your best.”
A Passion for Two Sports
Balionis has successfully balanced her love for both golf and football throughout her career. Growing up in Pittsburgh, she idolized NFL sideline reporter Bonnie Bernstein, which sparked her initial passion for football. However, her early career led her to golf, where she worked tirelessly to establish herself in the industry.
- Started freelancing in New York City in the early 2010s
- Accepted an in-house reporter position with the PGA Tour in 2011
- Joined CBS in 2017, expanding her role to include NFL coverage
Moving Forward
As she prepares for her return to the PGA Tour, Amanda Balionis is ready to reclaim her place in golf broadcasting. Her hard work and dedication have solidified her reputation as golf’s most trusted voice. Fans eagerly anticipate her comeback, confident that she will continue to shine in both golf and football.
