Who is LIV Golf's new signing? Meet Josele Ballester

LIV Golf have confirmed the signing of highly-rated Spanish youngster Josele Ballester.

Rumours emerged earlier in the week Ballester was lining up a move to the PIF-backed breakaway after he rejected Korn Ferry Tour membership. 

Ballester finished third in the PGA Tour University Ranking and was eligible to compete on the North American circuit's feeder. 

Had Ballester plied his trade on the developmental circuit, he likely would've ended up on the PGA Tour in the not too distant future. 

But he will instead join the paid professional ranks alongside Sergio Garcia as one of his Fireballs.

Ballester will make his first start this weekend in Virginia, replacing the injured David Puig. 

In the long-term, he will take Luis Masaveu's spot. 

Masaveu joined LIV in the off-season but reportedly only signed a contract that would take him to the halfway stage of the campaign. 

The 22-year-old is currently 44th in LIV's individual standings. 

Who is Jose Ballester?

Ballester is 21 years old. 

He made a name for himself at Arizona State University, following in the footsteps of Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson.

His parents are both Olympians. His father, Jose, competed a swimmer and his mother Sonia won a gold medal in field hockey at the 1992 Olympic Games.

Ballester played 33 college tournaments with an average score of 70.89. He hit 32 rounds in the 60s.

Garcia's father, Victor, was his college coach. 

Undoubtedly, his biggest achievement to date came at the 2024 U.S. Amateur. 

Ballester secured the title with a 2 up victory against Noah Kent over 36 holes at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota. 

He became the first player from Spain to win the title and only the second to win a USGA event (Rahm won the 2021 U.S. Open). 

"We have many great Spaniards, many great legends," Ballester previously said. "Being able to add my name into that history is pretty sweet."

The win earned him spots in the fields at the 2025 Masters, U.S. Open and The Open Championship. 

Ballester played alongside Scottie Scheffler during the first two rounds of the major in April.

He missed the cut after shooting rounds of 76-78 but still made the headlines for all the wrong reasons entirely.

What happened?

Ballester decided to urinate into Rae's Creek near the 13th hole at Augusta. 

He told reporters that he had merely forgotten there were restrooms nearby and acted out of urgency. 

Though he risked the wrath of the green jackets by stating: "If I had to do it again, I would do it again."

Ballester apologised 24 hours later and it is understood Augusta were satisfied with his apology.

Ballester will now have to give up his spots at the U.S. Open next week and The Open after turning professional.

What type of player is he?

Ballester may have a low-key demeanour but his game is explosive. His driving has to be seen to be believed. 

When he won the U.S. Amateur, he made minced meat of Hazeltine. 

His tee shots often carried more than 320 yards and he was even able to find the 624-yard par-5 third in two strokes after hitting driver off the deck to the surprise of everyone around him. 

The aforementioned Puig previous explained what he makes of Ballester's style of play: "It's hard to describe his game with anything but saying he's extremely powerful. 

"You've got a player who's got a 190mph ball speed when he rolls out of bed in the morning, and has two Olympians for parents.

"So he's got all the athletic genes he needs to succeed in the game and a lot of talent."