In a surprising twist, CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis has sparked debate by overlooking Rory McIlroy when naming her pick to win the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont. Fresh off covering the dramatic Canadian Open, Balionis backed 28-year-old Sam Burns as her top contender, ignoring favorites like McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. Her choice has left fans buzzing, with some calling it “weird” given McIlroy’s stellar 2025 season.

Balionis’ Unexpected Choice

Balionis, a prominent golf broadcaster, shared her prediction on Instagram after witnessing Burns’ thrilling playoff battle against Ryan Fox at the Canadian Open. Despite Burns’ loss, Balionis praised his form, stating, “Sam Burns is a prime candidate to triumph at Oakmont.” McIlroy, who tied for 47th at the PGA Championship but won the Masters and Pebble Beach earlier this year, was notably absent from her pick. “That’s weird,” one fan tweeted, questioning why the career Grand Slam winner was snubbed.

McIlroy’s Rollercoaster Year

McIlroy’s 2025 has been a mix of triumph and turmoil. His Masters victory in April cemented his legacy, but a lackluster PGA Championship, where he avoided media interviews, drew criticism. Balionis herself was accused of taking a subtle dig at McIlroy during that event, thanking Bryson DeChambeau for granting an interview—a move some saw as shade toward McIlroy’s silence. Their history, including baseless 2024 dating rumors after McIlroy’s brief divorce filing, adds intrigue to her omission.

Why Sam Burns?

Burns, ranked 16th globally, impressed with an eight-under 62 at TPC Toronto, forcing a playoff with Fox. Though he has only one top-10 major finish (T9 at the 2024 U.S. Open), Balionis sees untapped potential. “His recent consistency makes him a dark horse,” she noted. However, her pick defies conventional wisdom, as McIlroy and Scheffler dominate betting odds. Fans on X, like @GolfFanatic22, reacted: “Burns over Rory? Bold or crazy?”

Balionis Steps Away from U.S. Open

Balionis won’t cover the U.S. Open, as NBC holds broadcast rights. She signed off from Toronto with, “Goodnight Canada!” and plans to return for the Travelers Championship. Her absence from Oakmont fuels speculation that her Burns pick was a strategic move to stir conversation. Meanwhile, McIlroy aims to rebound from his 2024 U.S. Open collapse, where he lost to DeChambeau.

What’s Next?

As the U.S. Open tees off on June 12, all eyes are on McIlroy to prove Balionis wrong. Will Burns rise to the occasion, or was Balionis’ snub a misstep? The golf world awaits answers.