LIV Golf signs controversial Masters star who urinated in Rae's Creek
Josele Ballester, who turned heads at The Masters, has been revealed as the newest recruit for LIV Golf, joining forces with Sergio Garcia's Fireballs squad.
The Spanish prodigy, currently ranked 6th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, is set to make his professional bow at this weekend's event in Virginia. The competition kicks off this Friday at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.
Ballester, 21, replaces Luis Masaveu on the Fireballs' roster - although the 22-year-old remains in play as a reserve and will be in action this weekend with David Puig sidelined due to injury.
Ballester shares a deep connection with Garcia, with both hailing from Spain's Castellón province, More pertinently, Garcia's father, Victor, has been coaching Ballester since his early days.
"We are very excited about Josele joining the team," an enthusiastic Garcia said. "Personally, I have known him since he could pick up a golf club and he has worked with my father as his coach throughout his golf career. Josele is going to be a great addition not only to the Fireballs but also to the LIV League and I can't wait to be with him by his side as he makes his professional debut."
An Arizona State alum, during his final college year, Ballester was a standout, securing fourth place in the NCAA Championship. His stellar play earned him third spot in the PGA Tour University rankings, granting him a Korn Ferry Tour card.
And he now joins LIV, despite other invites. He said: "First and Foremost, I want to thank my family, coaches, friends, and Arizona State University for supporting me and believing in me to make it to this step of my career. I am very excited about the opportunity to join Fireballs GC and continue to learn from Sergio and other greats."
Ballester boasts an impressive track record, capturing the US Amateur title last year and triumphing at the European Amateur in 2023. His US Amateur victory at Hazeltine snagged him an invitation to The Masters at Augusta National, where he played alongside top golfer Scottie Scheffler and two-time major winner Justin Thomas - although he didn't make the cut.
At Augusta National, Ballester not only brushed shoulders with golfing legends but also learnt valuable lessons about the club's revered traditions.
During his debut round, spectators caught him relieving himself in Rae's Creek, a move that surprisingly earned him a hearty applause upon his return. However, others were less impressed by his actions, especially when he reiterated in a press conference that he would repeat his actions.
After his second round, though, he backtracked and apologised.
"I already apologised to the club, and I think we just move on from this moment. It will not happen again," Ballester told reporters. "I know there has been a lot said about what happened on social media, but I try to stay away from all that.
"A couple of friends reached out just to say 'Hey, you'll be fine. I'm still your friend.' So it's good to have those friends that have your back when the news is not that good about you."
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