Jose Luis Ballester, the reigning U.S. Amateur champion from Spain, has signed with LIV Golf and will make his professional debut at their Virginia event. The 21-year-old, known as Josele, will be part of the Fireballs team led by Sergio Garcia. Despite finishing third in the PGA Tour University standings and earning Korn Ferry Tour status, Ballester opted out of the PGA Tour's circuit. His recent fame includes a viral incident at the Masters, and he retains his spot in the upcoming U.S. Open as the reigning amateur champion.
"We are very excited about Josele joining the team," Garcia said in a statement. "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."
Although he missed the cut at the Masters in April, Ballester had a viral moment when he relieved himself in Rae's Creek on the par-5 13th hole.
Ballester joins Abraham Ancer and David Puig alongside Garcia on the Fireballs. Luis Masaveu loses his full-time spot on the team, although he remains in the lineup this week because Puig has a back injury.
He finished third in the PGA Tour University standings, earning him full status on the Korn Ferry Tour, but Golf Channel reported Monday that he declined membership on the PGA Tour's top developmental circuit.
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