"We are very excited about Josele joining the team,” Garcia stated. “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 recently concluded his senior season at Arizona State University, a prestigious alma mater that also counts LIV stars Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson among its notable golf alumni. He had impressively finished third in the PGA Tour University standings, a position that would have granted him full status on the Korn Ferry Tour. However, Golf Channel reported on Monday that Ballester ultimately declined membership on the PGA Tour’s top developmental circuit in favor of the LIV Golf opportunity.
While he missed the cut at the Masters in April, Ballester gained viral attention for a memorable moment where he relieved himself in Rae’s Creek on the iconic par-5 13th hole.
Ballester secured his U.S. Amateur title last August, defeating Noah Kent 2 up in a thrilling 36-hole final at Hazeltine. Despite turning professional, his status as the reigning champion of the USGA’s top amateur event ensures he will maintain his spot in next week’s U.S. Open at Oakmont.
Ballester will now play alongside Abraham Ancer and David Puig on the Fireballs team. As a result of this signing, Luis Masaveu will lose his full-time spot on the team, though he is still in the lineup for this week's event due to David Puig's back injury. Masaveu currently holds no status on any other tour, and his participation in LIV Golf will result in a one-year ban from competing in PGA Tour events following his final LIV appearance.