Amanda Balionis probed Rory McIlroy about his hiatus from golf, observing that he appeared more “relaxed” during their first conversation since the final round of the Masters.
Back in the game, the Northern Irishman is targeting his fourth victory this year at the Genesis Scottish Open, where he’s level with American golfer Chris Gotterup at the top of the leaderboard as they approach Sunday’s final round. This comes after his annoyance with two particularly loud spectators on the tournament’s opening day.
McIlroy is playing for the first time since his T6 finish at last month’s Travelers Championship, having taken a break to settle into his new luxurious home in England. After ending his first round with three consecutive birdies, McIlroy indicated to his PGA Tour competitors that he’s operating at just 80 percent capacity.
His rise to the top of the rankings upon his UK return suggests a potential edge gained during his break, attracting the attention of CBS Sports’ Balionis.
After her own break, enjoying the excitement of Wimbledon, the popular sportscaster has returned to the screen for her first interview with McIlroy since his grand slam triumph at Augusta three months ago.
Balionis questioned golf icon McIlroy on whether his “more relaxed” attitude this weekend was fuelling his “create great golf” or if it was the other way around.
McIlroy paused before responding: “It’s like the chicken or the egg, right? I think I am more relaxed, I’ve been over here for a couple of weeks and it’s been really nice to get back. It’s not ‘home home’ but it’s a little closer to home.
“But it’s been really nice to get back and see some familiar faces. I took 10 days off from golf which I felt was needed, and I think when I do that I come back with a little bit more enthusiasm for practice and excitement to get back into it.”
The discussion took a lighthearted twist when Balionis drew attention to McIlroy’s new haircut during the live transmission, prompting the PGA Tour champion to admit he’d suffered a blunder whilst trying to disguise his greying locks.
“You seem a little lighter, and it might be because of the haircut,” she observed as McIlroy sported a cap during their conversation. “Can you just take the hat off for us? What happened there, Rory?”.
Reluctantly, McIlroy unveiled his considerably shorter style, explaining: “You know, I’m getting a little gray as everyone probably knows. I stupidly thought that by going shorter, it would take the grays out.”
“If anything, I think it makes me look more gray. But it’ll grow back, that’s the good thing. It’ll be the perfect length for the Ryder Cup in September.”
This comes after Balionis’ gentle dig at the Masters victor for avoiding all press encounters at the PGA Championship in May, which she delivered both whilst interviewing Bryson DeChambeau and across social media platforms.
