Amanda Balionis 'can't wait' for PGA Championship as Jordan Spieth sends rallying cry
Amanda Balionis is preparing to lead CBS Sports' coverage of the PGA Championship, which gets underway at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte on Thursday.
Amanda Balionis is brimming with anticipation for the PGA Championship, where Jordan Spieth will be vying to secure his elusive fourth major title. The one-time top-ranked golfer in the world, Spieth understands that a win at Quail Hollow Club come Sunday would elevate him into an elite circle, making him only the seventh golfer to achieve a career Grand Slam.
He's already clinched victories at the Masters and U.S. Open in 2015, and The Open Championship in 2017. Spieth has candidly referred to this week's tournament as the "elephant in the room," given his 12 prior attempts without a win.
A triumph here would mirror Rory McIlroy's recent accomplishment, who just five weeks earlier completed his own career grand slam with a Masters victory – a feat that Spieth acknowledges has shone a brighter light on his personal quest. Despite dealing with persistent wrist pain each morning, the American remains hopeful about his prospects for the week.
- Charlie Woods' return to golf announced after three-month absence
- FOX makes unexplained NASCAR announcer change as Harvick left uncomfortable
In the lead-up to the championship, Spieth voiced his determination to reporters, saying: "I'd love to throw my hat in the ring and give it a chance come the weekend." Balionis couldn't contain her enthusiasm on social media, stating that Spieth's pursuit of the grand slam is among the "great storylines" that make this year's second major so compelling.
On her Instagram Stories this past Tuesday, Balionis shared Jordan Spieth's words, expressing excitement over the narratives unfolding as golf heads into its second major of the year.
"We have so many great storylines entering the 2nd major of the year," she wrote. "Also appreciate that this is a course that these guys love and are already familiar with which makes it even more fun. Can't wait for Thursday to see this thing start to take shape..."
Balionis had previously made an urgent appeal for the Charlotte climate to perk up before the onset of the PGA Championship on Thursday after the city was drenched by torrential showers on Monday, disrupting the course and delaying flights.
Monday marked the initial practice day, but because of flash flood warnings, the crowd was turned away. Those holding tickets were given the choice of requesting a refund or attending one of the rainy Tuesday or Wednesday sessions, each promising an 88 percent likelihood of additional rainfall.
The weather is expected to improve slightly by Thursday, though Saturday shows a 40 percent chance for more rain; however, Sunday forecasts suggest clearer skies. Despite this, the PGA Championship is shaping up to potentially be quite the soggy affair.
DON'T MISS...
Balionis underscored this in a video she added to her Instagram, capturing Hideki Matsuyama practicing putts on a thoroughly soaked green under the shelter of an umbrella held by his team member. She accompanied the clip with a light-hearted plea: "Someone fix Charlotte before Thursday tysm (thank you so much)!"
The TV host experienced some choppy moments during a ferry ride en route to the Mizuho Americas Open last week, where she had been engaging with young golfers ahead of the event. In anticipation of the Mizuho Americas Open, she shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament in an Instagram video, captioned: "Come with me for a day at the @mizuholpga at @libertynationalgc what host @michellewiewest has created here is so special."
While recording her journey, though, Balionis told fans, "Taking the ferry back after spending an incredible day at the Mizuho Americas Open, you'll just have to deal with me in this wind. You can see the Statue of Liberty right behind me; this is an amazing ferry ride back over to Liberty National."
