Jose Luis Ballester, the reigning U.S. Amateur champion from Spain, is set to begin his professional golfing career with LIV Golf, making his debut at the league’s tournament in Virginia this week. Ballester, who often goes by the nickname Josele, has signed a multi-year deal with LIV Golf and will be playing on the Fireballs team, captained by Spanish golf legend Sergio Garcia.
“We are thrilled to welcome Josele to the team,” Garcia expressed in a statement. “I’ve known him since he started playing golf, and my father has been his coach throughout his golfing journey.” Ballester, aged 21, has recently completed his senior year at Arizona State University, the same institution attended by LIV Golf stars like Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson. Although Ballester secured the third position in the PGA Tour University standings, which would grant him full status on the Korn Ferry Tour, he opted against joining the PGA’s developmental league.
Despite not making the cut at the Masters in April, Ballester did experience a moment of fame when he was caught on camera engaging in an unusual activity by Rae’s Creek on the par-5 13th hole. Last August, Ballester claimed victory over Noah Kent in the 36-hole U.S. Amateur finale at Hazeltine. Though he is transitioning to professional golf, he retains his entry in the upcoming U.S. Open at Oakmont, courtesy of his U.S. Amateur champion status.
Joining Garcia on the Fireballs squad, Ballester will team up with noted players like Abraham Ancer and David Puig. Luis Masaveu, who used to have a permanent spot on the team, still gets to compete this week due to Puig’s back injury, even though he lacks standing on other professional tours. Moreover, Masaveu risks a year’s ban from participating in PGA Tour events following his last appearance with LIV Golf.