Balionis shares heartwarming McIlroy story after | Golf News

CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis not too long ago shared a heartwarming story about Rory McIlroy‘s affect on a younger fan who’s now his up to date within the golf world. Earlier this week, Balionis, who’s returning to tv protection of golf on the Masters, recounted on social media “one of my favorite stories” involving a temporary encounter between McIlroy and Noah Kent

In 2017, McIlroy, who’s vying for his first Green Jacket this weekend, met the then-13-year-old newbie golfer at Erin Hills. Despite not making the cut on the 2017 US Open, McIlroy put apart his disappointment to spend time with Kent, whose stepfather, Dana Fry, had a hand in designing the course.

Before their chat, Kent was decided to proceed taking part in hockey. However, after receiving some sage advice from one of his heroes, he determined to totally decide to pursuing a profession in golf.

“I was a hockey player at the time and I kind of just looked up to Rory and I was just like ‘How do you hit it so far like you’re not that tall,'” Kent shared with Balionis. “He kind of just pointed at the ground, he’s like ‘It’s all on the legs.'”

Fast ahead eight years to Augusta National, the place Kent and McIlroy discovered themselves crossing paths but again – this time during a apply spherical earlier than The Masters. Balionis did not miss the prospect to spotlight the lasting affect that stars could unknowingly have on their younger followers.

“I think it’s worth noting that five minutes might not seem like a whole lot to these athletes out here, but it can really change a kid’s life,” she remarked. Echoing her ideas, Kent responded: “It just means so much that he would even spend time with me.

“He does not know who I’m, I’m simply a 13-year-old child on the market simply watching and supporting, so it simply means the world.”

McIlroy himself seemed taken aback upon realizing how deeply he had influenced Kent as a child. Reflecting on the event, Golfweek’s Adam Schupak reported that the golf pro sent Kent, a Naples, Florida resident, a signed Nike shirt after their encounter in 2017—a memento that still adorns Kent’s room.

“I by no means thought eight years later that we would be taking part in a apply spherical at Augusta National. It simply goes to show to by no means take these little encounters with youngsters without any consideration, since you by no means know what can occur,” McIlroy confided to Balionis.

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“It’s wonderful to see him play so nicely, to get right here, to get on this subject this week. Obviously wanting ahead to going on the market and experiencing it with him right now.”