Amanda Balionis Over the Moon as Ex-LPGA Pro Announces Engagement to Her Girlfriend

Instagram has once again become the platform of choice for sharing life’s most significant moments in the golf world. Former LPGA pro turned broadcaster Alison Whitaker revealed her engagement to girlfriend Lena Corrie through a heartwarming post on the social media platform. The couple shared their joyful news on August 13th with a simple yet meaningful caption: “13.08.24 .” The announcement quickly attracted attention from golf’s broadcasting community, with congratulatory messages flooding in from colleagues and friends.

CBS Sports broadcaster Amanda Balionis was among the first to show her excitement about the engagement. Her reaction stood out for its enthusiasm, as she responded with a series of heart-eyed emojis, along with a heartfelt “Congratulations!!” comment. Fellow golf broadcaster Kay Cockerill also joined in celebrating the couple’s milestone, writing: “Wonderful news!! So happy for you both. Enjoy the excitement and lead up to the big day.” These warm responses highlight the supportive community within golf broadcasting circles.

The announcement comes during what appears to be a romantic getaway for the couple. Their engagement post was geotagged in Thirassia, Greece, suggesting a picturesque setting for their proposal. This idyllic location created the perfect backdrop for their special moment, away from the often hectic world of professional golf broadcasting.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ali Whitaker (@alisonwhitaker1)

The outpouring of support from colleagues demonstrates the respect Whitaker has earned since transitioning from player to broadcaster.

Alison Whitaker’s journey from LPGA pro to groundbreaking broadcaster

The Melbourne-born Whitaker has built an impressive career that spans both playing and broadcasting. Her journey began with notable amateur success, including reaching the semi-finals of the 2005 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. She later attended Duke University on a golf scholarship from 2006 to 2010, where she was part of Duke’s 2007 NCAA Championship team before turning professional and earning conditional status on the LPGA Tour.

Whitaker turned professional in 2010 and competed on both the LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour. Her broadcasting career began unexpectedly in 2014 during a Ladies European Tour event in China, when a commentary position needed to be filled. What started as a temporary role quickly developed into a full-time career, accelerated by health challenges, including glandular fever and vertigo that affected her playing.

LPGA Hall of Fame player Judy Rankin has called Whitaker “the most versatile person in broadcasting,” noting her ability to serve as lead commentator, analyst, and on-course reporter—sometimes within the same broadcast week. She made history in 2021 as the first female to host both The Open Championship and Ryder Cup world feeds, then again in 2023 as the first female lead commentator on a men’s Major for Sky Sports during the PGA Championship. Beyond her broadcasting achievements, Whitaker has demonstrated her commitment to charitable causes, having had a significant portion of her hair cut off in 2023 to support the Kids With Cancer Foundation.

Currently, she serves as the first full-time female lead commentator on the DP World Tour, covering events such as the Volvo China Open and the Dubai Desert Classic in 2025.

As the golf world celebrates this personal milestone for one of its pioneering voices, Whitaker’s engagement represents yet another chapter in her remarkable journey, both on and off the course.

The post Amanda Balionis Over the Moon as Ex-LPGA Pro Announces Engagement to Her Girlfriend appeared first on EssentiallySports.