LIV Golf signs controversial Masters ace, Garcia | Golf News

Golfing sensation Josele Ballester, who precipitated controversy during The Masters, has just been revealed as the new star signing for LIV Golf, becoming a member of Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs squad.

Currently holding the No. 6 spot in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, Ballester is prepped to flip professional at the upcoming LIV Golf occasion in Virginia, with the motion set to begin Friday. It’s been reported that LIV Golf just lately instructed gamers they will not be supplied profitable signing bonuses to prolong. The likes of Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson now face unsure futures with the league.

The 21 12 months outdated Arizona State product steps in for Luis Masaveu on the Fireballs’ lineup, though Masaveu, 22, will still be on deck as a reserve participant – and he is slated to play this week due to David Puig being out with a back difficulty.

Ballester’s ties with Garcia go manner back, both hailing from the Castellón province of Spain, with Garcia having swung golf equipment since childhood under the tutelage of Victor Garcia, Sergio’s father, who has coached Ballester for years.

Garcia expressed his enthusiasm in a assertion: “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 skilled 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 ultimate school season, Ballester emerged as a top-tier title, touchdown 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 possibility, opting as an alternative for a reunion with Garcia on LIV. Reflecting gratitude, the previous 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 spectacular observe report, Ballester clinched the U.S. Amateur title final 12 months and added the European Amateur trophy to his cupboard in 2023. His victory at Hazeltine not only earned him the U.S. Amateur crown but also an unique invitation to compete at Augusta National for The Masters in April.

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During the celebrated occasion, he was grouped with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and two-time main winner Justin Thomas.

However, Ballester did not make the cut after ending 10-over-par. Still, the competitors served as an invaluable expertise, offering him with the possibility to study firsthand from some of the sport’s best gamers at one of probably the most revered venues in golf.

Moreover, Ballester’s first Masters look supplied 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 spherical—an act that, while controversial, amusingly garnered him applause upon his transient return from the creek bank.

Criticism flew after he doubled down on his actions during a press convention, stating he’d do it all over again, but after the second spherical, he recanted and supplied an apology.

“I already apologized to the club, and I think we just move on from this moment. It will not happen again,” Ballester instructed 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 pair of mates reached out just to say ‘Hey, you may be high quality. I’m still your buddy.’ So it is good to have those mates that have your back when the information isn’t that good about you.”