Amanda Balionis has officially confirmed her return to the PGA Tour, sparking enthusiasm among golf fans nationwide. After stepping away for a well-earned break, the CBS Sports reporter is preparing to reunite with the Golf on CBS team. She shared the news in an Instagram story, announcing her comeback with a lighthearted message that quickly caught the attention of followers.

A Heartfelt Goodbye to the 2025 Season

Balionis’ departure in September 2025 was especially emotional. She marked the end of the season with an Instagram reel showcasing her favorite moments on tour, reflecting on what had been an intense and memorable year.

“Hard to believe that’s a wrap on the 2025 season,” she wrote. “Nineteen weeks of incredible moments and memories.”

Her farewell highlighted not only the highlights of competition but also the personal connections she built with players, crews, and fans along the way.

Battling Through a Demanding Year

Behind the scenes, the 2025 season tested Balionis both physically and mentally. She worked through a herniated disc and a pinched nerve while maintaining a packed schedule that included PGA Tour coverage and NFL sideline reporting. By December, after months of nonstop travel and broadcasts, her body was in clear need of rest and recovery.

During the year, she:

• Completed 19 weeks of PGA Tour coverage

• Transitioned into NFL sideline duties

• Managed ongoing health issues while staying on air

Despite those challenges, Balionis continued to deliver at a high level.

Viewership Success and a Refined Role

Her efforts paid off. CBS reported a 17% increase in golf viewership in 2025, with Balionis playing a meaningful role in that growth. Heading into 2026, CBS adjusted her responsibilities, reducing her golf assignments to approximately 12–18 events.

Rather than serving primarily as a walking reporter, Balionis will now focus more on high-impact, post-round interviews with players — a move that reflects both her experience and the network’s confidence in her on-camera presence.

An Unconventional Path to Broadcasting

Balionis’ career journey hasn’t followed a straight line. In 2016, she believed her broadcasting ambitions had come to an end. After relocating from Jacksonville to San Diego for a marketing role at Callaway Golf, an unexpected opportunity arose when a colleague invited her to help with PGA Championship coverage. That moment proved pivotal and ultimately opened the door to her role at CBS.

Reflecting on that period, Balionis once said, “Time to start over and trust that you did your best.”

Balancing Golf and Football

Throughout her career, Balionis has successfully navigated two demanding sports worlds. Raised in Pittsburgh, she grew up admiring NFL sideline reporters, which fueled her early interest in football. Her professional break came first through golf, where she steadily built her reputation before expanding into NFL coverage.

Her career milestones include:

• Freelancing in New York City in the early 2010s

• Joining the PGA Tour as an in-house reporter in 2011

• Signing with CBS in 2017, eventually adding NFL assignments to her portfolio

Looking Ahead

Now, as she prepares to return to the PGA Tour, Balionis is ready to step back into one of golf broadcasting’s most visible roles. Her resilience, professionalism, and versatility have earned her widespread respect across both golf and football.

Fans are eagerly awaiting her comeback, confident that she will continue to bring insight, energy, and authenticity to every broadcast — no matter which sport she’s covering.