Josele Ballester made a significant leap in his professional golfing career by securing his first win at the PIF Saudi International held in Riyadh. This celebrated Spaniard, who joined LIV Golf midway through the 2025 season, showcased his talent with a remarkable final round of 65, finishing three shots ahead of American Caleb Surratt.
"Being a young boy dreaming about this moment, winning your first professional career, this is why I worked so hard every day," an emotional Ballester expressed to reporters post-victory. He highlighted the importance of this win in his career journey, saying, "It's been really cool to finally get this done. It's going to make me keep working even harder to accomplish all the things I have."
The young golfer's stellar performance at Riyadh Golf Club not only put him at the top of the leaderboard but also made a mark on the final event of the International Series. Following him was South Africa's Dean Burmester, who concluded the tournament in third place at 17-under. Other noteworthy competitors included Richard Bland, Tyrrell Hatton, Anthony Kim, Lucas Herbert, and Adrian Meronk, all finishing strong in the top ten.
The Saudi International victory is particularly significant for Ballester, who had a remarkable amateur career, winning prestigious titles like the Spanish Amateur, European Amateur, and US Amateur, which ultimately allowed him to qualify for the 2025 Masters. His appearance at Augusta, however, proved controversial due to an incident that drew criticism from tournament officials. Ballester was infamously noted for relieving himself in Rae’s Creek, near the renowned 13th hole. Initially, he joked, "I would do it again," but later extended an apology to Augusta National.
The tournament also marked a comeback for former PGA Tour star Anthony Kim, who achieved his best finish since returning to competitive golf after a long absence of 12 years. He confirmed his participation in an upcoming LIV Golf Promotions event set for January, expressing optimism about his ongoing recovery and growth. "I really feel like my hard work off the course is finally starting to pay off," Kim stated, reflecting on his experiences.
Josele Ballester’s triumph at the Saudi International serves as a testament to his growth and determination in the world of professional golf. As he continues to build upon this success, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his career develops in the coming seasons. With his latest victory, the young Spaniard has not only etched his name in the history of the tournament but has also set the stage for what promises to be an exciting period in his golfing journey.