Jose Luis Ballester of Spain has joined LIV Golf and will make his professional debut this week at the Saudi-funded league’s Virginia event at Trump National Golf Club in Gainesville.
Ballester, who goes by the nickname Josele, signed a multiyear contract with LIV, the organization announced Wednesday. He’ll join the Fireballs team captained by fellow Spaniard Sergio Garcia.
“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.”
The 21-year-old Ballester is the reigning U.S. Amateur champion, having defeated Noah Kent 2 up in the 36-hole final at Hazeltine last August. He recently finished his senior season at Arizona State, the alma mater of LIV stars Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson.
What makes this move particularly interesting is the timing. Ballester finished third in the PGA Tour University standings, which would have earned him full status on the Korn Ferry Tour. But according to Golf Channel, he declined membership on the PGA Tour’s top developmental circuit, signaling his interest in the LIV opportunity.
Despite turning professional, Ballester keeps his spot in next week’s U.S. Open at Oakmont as the reigning champion of the USGA’s top amateur event.
Ballester competed in the Masters in April as an amateur. While he missed the cut, he created a viral moment on the par-5 13th hole with a spectacular shot that showcased his potential.
On the Fireballs team, Ballester joins Abraham Ancer and David Puig alongside Garcia. Luis Masaveu loses his full-time spot but remains in the lineup this week because Puig is dealing with a back injury.
It’s worth noting that Masaveu doesn’t have status on any other tour and would face a one-year ban from PGA Tour events after his final LIV appearance – a consequence of the ongoing tension between the rival golf organizations.
