Amanda Balionis Confirms PGA Tour Return Date Following Heartfelt Departure
Amanda Balionis is set to make her comeback to the PGA Tour, much to the delight of golf enthusiasts. The CBS sports reporter, who announced her return via an Instagram story, is rejoining the Golf on CBS team with a lighthearted note.
Amanda Balionis’s Emotional Departure
In September 2025, Balionis bid farewell to the PGA Tour after a memorable season. In an emotional Instagram reel, she reminisced about her experiences over the year, stating, “Hard to believe that’s a wrap on the 2025 season. 19 weeks of incredible moments and memories.”
Challenges During the 2025 Season
The 2025 season was not without its difficulties for Balionis. She battled health issues that included a herniated disc and a pinched nerve, all while covering a demanding schedule. Her duties spanned both golf and NFL events, leaving her in need of rest by December.
- Completed 19 weeks of PGA Tour coverage
- Transitioned to NFL sideline reporting
- Faced significant health challenges
Impact on Viewership and Career Evolution
Amanda Balionis played a crucial role in CBS’s golf viewership growth, which rose by 17% in 2025. In acknowledgment of her contributions, CBS announced a revised role for Balionis in 2026, limiting her golf events to between 12 and 18 per season. Her focus will shift towards conducting impactful interviews with players after their rounds.
A Journey from Marketing to Broadcasting
Balionis’s career path has seen its share of twists. Her journey began in marketing at Callaway Golf in 2016. However, a colleague’s suggestion led her to the broadcasting of the PGA Championship, eventually resulting in her hiring by CBS.
A Dual Passion for Golf and Football
Growing up in Pittsburgh, Balionis developed a passion for both golf and football. Inspired by NFL sideline reporter Bonnie Bernstein, she initially aspired to cover football. Her early career began in golf, where she worked diligently to carve out a niche.
- Started freelancing in New York City in the early 2010s
- Joined the PGA Tour as an in-house reporter in 2011
- Expanded her role at CBS to include NFL coverage in 2017
Looking Ahead
As Amanda Balionis prepares for her return to the PGA Tour, she is poised to reclaim her status in golf broadcasting. Her dedication has established her as a respected voice in the industry. Fans look forward to her comeback, confident in her ability to shine in both golf and football.
