Jose Luis Ballester infamously urinated in Rae’s Creek at the Masters before switching to LIV Golf and suffering a difficult debut – but he’s ready to test himself at the U.S. Open
Jose Luis Ballester is thrilled to be a part of LIV Golf — but he hopes to prove he belongs at the highest level with a strong U.S. Open performance.
Earlier this month, on the eve of the 125th U.S. Open, Ballester sensationally turned down the Korn Ferry Tour in order to join LIV Golf. He signed with Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs GC, showing up at Oakmont head-to-toe in vibrant red and yellow colors.
Having made an impression in his Masters debut, when he was seen urinating in Rae’s Creek during the first round, Ballester — who later issued a formal apology to furious Augusta National officials — is seeking to turn the page. On Wednesday, he was the last man on the range at Oakmont, meticulously working on his craft ahead of facing a hard course made harder.
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The former U.S. Amateur champion earnestly hopes he can impress fans and pros alike and play true to his potential. He struggled on his LIV Golf debut just last week in Virginia, which affected the Spaniard’s preparation—but he’s back in the zone now.
“I’m pleased to be at LIV Golf with Sergio at the Fireballs, as you can see,” Ballester told The Mirror U.S. Sports. “It just felt like the next step. But I’m just looking to prove myself.
“It’s been weird, honestly, because I played really bad last week in my professional debut. Coming into a tournament like this with such a big challenge ahead, it’s not nice. It’s hard when you’re not playing very well. You have a big test ahead mentally, I guess.
“But the practice round has been really, really good. I think I got a nice look at the course, hit the ball great, and got some nice tips from some of the pros. And I’m feeling slightly better than I felt on Monday. We will see how we do tomorrow.”
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When asked what might be the biggest challenge the notoriously difficult Oakmont course presented, Ballester said: “Honestly, everything. I think the player who stays the strongest mentally will probably be the guy who will do best.
“It’s important to be in the fairway, so ball striking is very important. It’s an overall skill test and mental test.”
He admitted he’s been “fortunate enough” in the practice rounds to not experience too many lies in the treacherous Oakmont rough. Ballester also showed his class in his final practice round as he birdied the 300-yard par-three eighth – the most discussed hole in the U.S. Open’s buildup.
“I birdied it today! I hit an amazing mini-driver to 30 feet and drained the putt. I don’t even know. You just stand there, try to hit your line, and hopefully put it on the green. I mean, it’s going to play, I think, close to 4 in stroke average this week.
“Any pars will be very nice.”
Ballester tees off at the U.S. Open on Thursday, June 12.