A wave of backlash has erupted across the golf world following a set of controversial on-air comments made by CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis during the network’s live coverage of the Memorial Tournament over the weekend. Golf fans have taken to social media in droves, demanding accountability and calling for her removal from the CBS Sports broadcast team.
The controversy centers on a comment Balionis made during the third-round coverage on Saturday afternoon, while interviewing rising star golfer Cameron Young after a bogey-filled back nine. In what some interpreted as an off-the-cuff joke, Balionis said, “Looks like your swing got lost somewhere around the 14th hole—maybe it went for a drink like the rest of the fans out here.” The remark, while intended as light-hearted, was criticized by many as unprofessional and disrespectful.
Fan Reaction Turns Viral
Within hours of the broadcast, clips of the exchange were circulating online, particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Reddit. While some defended Balionis’ attempt at humor, many accused her of undermining the seriousness of a professional athlete’s performance and making a flippant comment during an otherwise tense round.
The hashtag #FireBalionis began trending late Saturday evening, with users posting reactions ranging from disappointment to outright outrage.
“She’s supposed to be a professional. You don’t take a cheap shot like that at a player on national TV,” wrote one Reddit user on the popular golf subreddit r/golf.
“This is not the Amanda we know. CBS should really think twice about who they let represent the sport,” added another.
CBS Sports Issues a Statement
On Sunday morning, CBS Sports issued a brief statement in response to the growing controversy:
“We are aware of viewer concerns regarding comments made during our Memorial Tournament coverage. Amanda Balionis is a valued member of our broadcast team, and we are addressing the situation internally.”
The network did not elaborate on whether disciplinary action would be taken.
Balionis Responds
Later that day, Amanda Balionis took to Instagram and X to post a statement of her own:
“To anyone I may have offended with my comment during Saturday’s broadcast—I sincerely apologize. It was meant in jest, but I understand it came across as insensitive. I hold the players, the fans, and the game of golf in the highest regard. I’ll use this moment to reflect and be better moving forward.”
Despite the apology, criticism continues to mount, with several former players and analysts weighing in. Golf Channel analyst and former PGA Tour pro Brandel Chamblee said, “This feels like a symptom of a broader trend in sports media where entertainment is starting to overshadow respect for the athletes. Amanda is talented, but she may have crossed a line here.”
A Divided Fanbase
While a large portion of the golf community is demanding CBS part ways with Balionis, others are urging calm, defending her track record and pointing to her years of respected journalism in the sport.
“I think the outrage is overblown,” tweeted LPGA golfer Marina Alex. “Amanda has been nothing but professional in my experience. People are allowed to make mistakes.”
Still, calls for her firing persist, with online petitions collecting thousands of signatures and fans vowing to boycott CBS’s golf coverage unless action is taken.
What’s Next for CBS and Balionis?
As of Monday morning, CBS has not announced any changes to its on-air personnel, and Balionis is still slated to cover the upcoming U.S. Open at Pinehurst. However, sources close to the network say internal discussions are ongoing, and the situation is being taken “very seriously.”
Whether this controversy will blow over or lead to lasting consequences remains to be seen. One thing is clear: golf fans, known for their high standards of etiquette and decorum, are watching closely—and they’re not mincing words.
More updates to follow as the story develops.
