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The reigning U.S. Amateur champion, Jose Luis Ballester, has officially announced his move to LIV Golf, marking a significant transition in his professional career.
The Spanish prodigy will make his anticipated professional debut in Virginia as part of the Saudi Arabia-backed tour.
LIV Golf confirmed that Ballester, often referred to as Josele, signed a multi-year contract to join the league. He will become a member of the Fireballs team, which is captained by his fellow countryman, Sergio Garcia.
Alongside Ballester, the Fireballs team also includes notable players like Abraham Ancer and David Puig, although Luis Masaveu has lost his full-time position within the squad.
Sergio Garcia expressed his enthusiasm about Ballester’s addition, stating, “We are very excited about Josele joining the team. I have known him since he first picked up a golf club, and he has worked closely with my father as his coach throughout his journey in golf.”
In addition to his connection with Garcia, Ballester shares ties with Jon Rahm, another prominent Spaniard on the LIV circuit.
Both players attended Arizona State University, which is also the alma mater of golfing legend Phil Mickelson. Mickelson has been a prominent figure representing LIV Golf since its inception.
After finishing third in the PGA Tour University standings this year, Ballester had the opportunity to join the Korn Ferry Tour, just one step below the PGA Tour. However, reports from Golf Channel on Monday suggested that he declined membership, fueling speculation about his future with LIV Golf.
Earlier this year, Ballester participated in a major tournament, making his mark at the Masters held at Augusta National Golf Club in April. Despite not making the cut, he gained notoriety for a viral incident in which he admitted to urinating in the renowned Rae’s Creek, located on the par-5 13th hole, famously part of the three-hole stretch known as “Amen Corner.”
The young golfer later explained that it was an emergency situation. However, social media reactions were swift, with many criticizing him for what was perceived as a lack of respect at one of golf’s most storied venues.
“I really needed to pee and didn’t know where to go, so with Justin Thomas having an issue on the green, I decided to sneak over here by the river, hoping no one would notice me. They actually clapped for me; that was probably the loudest I was applauded all day, which was kind of funny,” Ballester recounted after finishing his first round with a score of 4-over 76.
He added, “It didn’t embarrass me at all. If I were in the same position again, I would do it again without hesitation.”
In response to the incident, Ballester did apologize to Augusta National officials for his actions in Rae’s Creek.
He is set to join his new teammates at LIV Golf on June 6 for his debut at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. His move to LIV represents a meaningful step in his burgeoning professional career.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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