LIV Golf confirms signing of new player

LIV Golf has confirmed the signing of a new player on a multi-year deal.

Jose Ballester, a decorated Spanish amateur, will join Fireballs GC and make his professional debut at LIV Golf Virginia this week.

The 21-year-old will join a lineup led by fellow Spaniard and team captain Sergio Garcia, and including Abraham Ancer and David Puig.

“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,” said Ballester.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to join Fireballs GC and continue to learn from Sergio and other greats.”

Currently ranked No. 6 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, his college career was highlighted by victories at the 2024 US Amateur, 2023 European Amateur, and 2020 Spanish Amateur.

Ballester has connections to Garcia, hailing from Castellón, the same Spanish province, while he was formerly coached by Victor Garcia, father of the Masters champ.

• Report: PGA Tour star in shock split with caddie

• Former amateur star makes LIV Golf feelings clear

“We are very excited about Josele joining the team,” Garcia said.

“Personally, I have known him since he could pick up a golf club and he has worked with my father (Victor) as his coach throughout his golf career.

“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.”

Ballester, is the latest Arizona State grad to join the Saudi-backed circuit, following Puig, Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson, Paul Casey, and Matt Jones.

And in joining LIV, he will replace compatriot Luis Masaveu who is set to become a reserve for Garcia’s side.

Masaveu, 22, will remain in the lineup in Virginia this week, however, stepping in for Puig, who is currently sidelined with a back injury.

• Robert MacIntyre ‘wishes’ modern game would do one thing

• Watch: Golf fan narrowly avoids terrifying Jordan Spieth miss

Meanwhile, Ballester gained widespread attention on social media, when he missed the cut on his Masters debut in April.

During his first competitive round at Augusta National, he urinated into Rae’s creek and later apologised to tournament officials.

“They saw me,” Ballester said. “It was not embarrassing at all for me. If I had to do it again, I would do it again.

“I already apologised to the club, and I think we just move on from this moment.

“I try to stay away from social media. A couple friends reached out just to say hey, you’ll be fine. I’m still your friend.

“So yeah, it’s good to have those friends that have your back when the news is not that good about you.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.