Amanda Balionis shared on Instagram that she was driving a rental car when she kept noticing a foul odor that smelled like a “sweaty gym sock.” At first, she assumed it was coming from outside or from something in the vehicle. As the drive continued, the smell became stronger and stronger.
Eventually, she discovered the source: a used Band-Aid stuck inside the rental car, which had apparently been left behind by a previous renter. Balionis described the situation as getting “more disgusting” the longer she investigated, and said the experience was still bothering her afterward.
The story was shared in a lighthearted way on social media, but many followers related to it by posting their own rental-car and travel horror stories. The incident gained attention because Balionis is one of the most recognizable reporters in professional golf, and fans found the unpleasant discovery both amusing and relatable.