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Amanda Balionis Snubs Rory McIlroy in U.S. Open Prediction

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Jessica McBride | Last updated Jun 10, 2025 4:17 PM ET

CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis has named her favorite to win the U.S. Open.

But there was one person she notably didn't pick.

Balionis snubbed Masters champion Rory McIlroy in a U.S. Open prediction.

She gave her favorite away on Instagram on June 9, writing, "Sam Burns is playing out of his mind right now. Once again the LSU talent put himself in the mix and if I’m you, I’m snagging him early for any US Open pools you might be in "

The lengthy post gushed about Burns and Ryan Fox after Burns lost the Canadian Open to Fox.

"Canada? You never disappoint. Today was another memorable final round with a very worthy Champion. It was so fun to watch Ryan Fox and Sam Burns battle it out for four playoff holes in front of HUGE crowds that never even thought about leaving until a winner was crowned," she wrote.

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"Fox will tell you it took him longer than expected to settle in here on the PGA TOUR, but after a dramatic win a month ago, the Kiwi is playing free and is now a multiple time winner," added Balionis.

"Sam Burns is playing out of his mind right now. Once again the LSU talent put himself in the mix and if I’m you, I’m snagging him early for any US Open pools you might be in We had The Rink, we had the cutest kids visit us on set, we had the New Zealand National Futbol team living and dying by every Ryan Fox shot…we had an incredible National Open," she added.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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