
Editor's note: Amanda Balionis is the new host of PGA TOUR Today, Morning Movers and Monday Backspin on PGATOUR.COM. You can learn more about her in this Q&A and follow her on Twitter at @Amanda_Balionis.
I'm from ...
I'm originally from Pittsburgh, Pa. but moved to Lancaster, Pa. when I was 10 years old. I consider both places my home.
My previous job was ...
Before coming to PGA TOUR Entertainment I was with MSG and MSG Varsity in New York. I was a sideline reporter for football and lacrosse, as well as a color analyst for volleyball and a show host.
My interest in golf started ...
with my entire family, who isobsessed with golf. One of my first memories of moving to Lancaster, was playing 4-hole Junior Golf. I started playing volleyball in high school and stopped golfing, but after college started picking up the game again and that is when my real passion began.
My favorite golf memory is ...
Playing with my parents in Lancaster. My dad had wanted me to love the game as much as he did since I was 10 years old. When I asked him to play with me for the first time at 21 years old he was ecstatic and it was a great family outing.
I would describe my own golf game as ...
A work in progress. I can't wait to have a chance to work on my short game year-round in Florida, instead of only having a few months a year to practice. I'm always looking for tips so feel free to send 'em my way!
If I could follow any player for 18 holes, it would be ...
Jhonattan Vegas. He has outstanding talent matched with an even greater personality. Watching his skills on the links paired with his huge personality would make for a great day of following at any tournament.
My dream foursome would include ...
Jim Furyk (we both graduated from Manheim Township H.S. so I think we'd have a lot to talk about, especially about why he didn't speak at my graduation when he was our first choice); Phil Mickelson (this is a guy who is the definition of a role model. He handles an extraordinary amount of attention with ease and appreciation. I look up to him for that); and Bubba Watson (he is just so entertaining that I think he would keep any foursome light and fun the whole round).
If I could play one course, it would be ...
Augusta National. The course and clubhouse are surrounded by so much beauty, tradition and excellence that I think from start to finish it would be an incredible experience that I would remember forever.
I took this job at PGATOUR.COM because ...
I wanted to work on my golf game! Kidding....kind of. Truthfully though, I took this position with PGATOUR.COM because it is such an incredible opportunity. To work with one of the most well respected organizations in the world and to be able to reach fans that are truly passionate about the game of golf is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The one thing I hope my audience sees in my work is ...
How much fun I have covering the game of golf and the amount of respect I have for the players, the game, and most importantly, the fans who have given me the privilege to work for PGATOUR.COM.