GAINESVILLE, Va. — U.S. Novice champion Jose Luis Ballester of Spain has joined LIV Golf and can make his skilled debut this week on the Saudi-funded league’s Virginia occasion.
Ballester, who goes by the nickname Josele, signed a multiyear contract, LIV mentioned Wednesday, and will likely be a part of the Fireballs crew captained by fellow Spaniard Sergio Garcia.
“We’re very enthusiastic about Josele becoming a member of the crew,” Garcia mentioned in an announcement. “Personally, I’ve recognized him since he might choose up a golf membership and he has labored with my father as his coach all through his golf profession.”
The 21-year-old Ballester just lately concluded his senior season at Arizona State, the alma mater of LIV stars Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson. He completed third within the PGA Tour College standings, incomes him full standing on the Korn Ferry Tour, however Golf Channel reported Monday that he declined membership on the PGA Tour’s prime developmental circuit.
Though he missed the lower on the Masters in April, Ballester had a viral moment when he relieved himself in Rae’s Creek on the par-5 thirteenth gap.
Ballester defeated Noah Kent 2 up within the 36-hole U.S. Amateur final at Hazeltine last August. Though he’s turning skilled, he retains his spot in subsequent week’s U.S. Open at Oakmont because the reigning champion of the USGA’s prime beginner occasion.
Ballester joins Abraham Ancer and Carlos Ortiz alongside Garcia on the Fireballs. David Puig, one other Arizona State alum on Garcia’s crew, is at present sidelined with a again harm.
