LIV Golf signs controversial Masters amateur who urinated in Rae's Creek
Josele Ballester, who caused controversy at The Masters by urinating in Rae's Creek, has signed a deal with LIV Golf and will make his professional debut this week
Golfing sensation Josele Ballester, who caused controversy during The Masters, has just been revealed as the new star signing for LIV Golf, joining Sergio Garcia's Fireballs squad.
Currently holding the No. 6 spot in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, Ballester is prepped to turn pro at the upcoming LIV Golf event in Virginia, with the action set to start Friday. It's been reported that LIV Golf recently told players they won't be offered lucrative signing bonuses to extend. The likes of Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson now face uncertain futures with the league.
The 21 year old Arizona State product steps in for Luis Masaveu on the Fireballs' lineup, though Masaveu, 22, will still be on deck as a reserve player – and he's slated to play this week due to David Puig being out with a back issue.
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Ballester's ties with Garcia go way back, both hailing from the Castellón province of Spain, with Garcia having swung clubs since childhood under the tutelage of Victor Garcia, Sergio's father, who has coached Ballester for years.
Garcia expressed his enthusiasm in a statement: "We are very excited about Josele joining the team," and added, "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."
Garcia eagerly awaits Ballester's professional launch, saying, "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."
In his final college season, Ballester emerged as a top-tier name, landing fourth in the NCAA Championship and securing third place in PGA Tour University rankings, which earned him a path to the Korn Ferry Tour.
But Ballester has turned down the chance, opting instead for a reunion with Garcia on LIV. Reflecting gratitude, the former Sun Devil expressed: "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."
With an impressive track record, Ballester clinched the U.S. Amateur title last year and added the European Amateur trophy to his cabinet in 2023. His victory at Hazeltine not only earned him the U.S. Amateur crown but also an exclusive invitation to compete at Augusta National for The Masters in April.
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During the prestigious event, he was grouped with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and two-time major winner Justin Thomas.
However, Ballester didn't make the cut after finishing 10-over-par. Still, the competition served as an invaluable experience, providing him with the chance to learn firsthand from some of the game's best players at one of the most revered venues in golf.
Moreover, Ballester's first Masters appearance offered a memorable, albeit unconventional, lesson in Augusta National's storied traditions. In an unorthodox incident, he was seen relieving himself in Rae's Creek during the initial round—an act that, while controversial, amusingly garnered him applause upon his brief return from the creek bank.
Criticism flew after he doubled down on his actions during a press conference, stating he'd do it all over again, but after the second round, he recanted and offered an apology.
"I already apologized to the club, and I think we just move on from this moment. It will not happen again," Ballester told the media. "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."
