Current U.S. Amateur champion Jose Luis Ballester signs with LIV Golf

Jose Luis Ballester Joins LIV Golf

U.S. amateur champion Jose Luis Ballester has decided to join LIV Golf. The young golfer from Spain is set to make his professional debut in Virginia for the Saudi-backed league. LIV Golf announced that Ballester, also known as Josele, has signed a multi-year contract and will be part of the Fireballs team, co-captained by fellow Spaniard Sergio Garcia.

In addition to Ballester, the Fireballs team will also feature Abraham Ancer and David Puig, while Luis Masaveu has been released from a full-time position on the roster.

Garcia expressed enthusiasm about Ballester’s addition, stating, “We are extremely excited to see Josel join the team. Personally, I know him because he was able to pick up golf clubs, and he has worked as a dad and coach throughout his golf career.”

Interestingly, Ballester also shares connections with another Spanish golfer in LIV, Jon Rahm. Their ties include both attending the same alma mater in Arizona, and both have interacted with Phil Mickelson, who is well known as the face of LIV Golf since it began.

This year, Ballester had the chance to compete in the Korn Ferry tour, which is just a step below the PGA Tour, after finishing third in the PGA Tour university rankings. However, reports surfaced that he declined the invitation to join that tour, hinting at his move to LIV Golf.

Earlier this year, he participated in the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. Although he didn’t make the cut, he had quite a moment when he admitted to urinating in the famed Rays Creek, which caught media attention. He described that situation as an emergency, but it didn’t sit well with many, who felt it was disrespectful to such a historic venue.

During his first round, Ballester remarked, “I really need to pee. Where should I go? They applauded for me, saying I would sneak up by the river.” He shot a 4-over 76 but seemed unfazed, saying, “If I had to do it again, I would do it again.”