Sergio Garcia makes feelings clear on Jose Luis Ballester after breakthrough win

Jose Luis Ballester etched his name in golf history on Sunday by becoming the first Spaniard to win the prestigious US Amateur Championship, a remarkable achievement that was celebrated by his compatriot Sergio Garcia.

Ballester, who turned 21 on the day of his victory, secured the coveted Havemeyer Trophy at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota. His win over Iowa’s Noah Kent in a dramatic 18-hole final, where he edged out Kent with a one-up victory, marks a historic first for Spain. The victory is especially notable as it is something that previous Spanish golfing legends like Sergio Garcia and Jon Rahm had not achieved.

Sergio Garcia, a former world No. 2 and one of Spain’s most renowned golfers, expressed immense pride in Ballester’s achievement. Garcia, who had a notable run in the US Amateur Championship in 1998 and went on to win The Amateur Championship that same year, took to social media to praise Ballester’s success, saying, “Incredible win by Josele, couldn’t be more proud.” Garcia and Ballester have a close relationship, with Garcia’s guidance being a crucial element in Ballester’s success at Hazeltine. Garcia’s advice, including staying patient and letting his game speak for itself, was instrumental for Ballester during the tournament.

Jon Rahm, another prominent Spanish golfer currently competing in the LIV Golf series, also joined in the celebrations. Rahm’s simple yet powerful “Vamos” on Instagram underscored the significance of Ballester’s landmark achievement.

Throughout the week, Ballester and Garcia stayed in touch via text messages, and Garcia made a special phone call to Ballester on the eve of the final, offering words of encouragement and tactical advice. Garcia’s insight on handling the crowd and staying true to oneself was particularly impactful for Ballester.

Ballester expressed his gratitude for the support he received, reflecting on the importance of joining the ranks of Spanish golfing greats. “Super thankful to have the opportunity to live this moment,” Ballester said. “We have many great Spaniards, many great legends, and being able to add my name to that history, it’s pretty sweet.”

In addition to his historic win, Ballester has earned invitations to compete in three of golf’s major championships in 2025: The Masters, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship. This victory has not only secured his place in golfing history but also opened up exciting opportunities for his future career.

Ballester’s triumph marks him as the fourth player from Arizona State University to win the Havemeyer Trophy, following in the footsteps of notable alumni such as Phil Mickelson, Billy Mayfair, and Jeff Quinney. His success is a source of great pride for Arizona State’s golf program. Coach Matt Thurmond expressed his excitement about Ballester’s future, noting the enduring impact of this victory: “The opportunities that are going to open up for him are amazing. But the best part is, no matter what, he’s going to be an 80-year-old man on the southern coast of Spain, and they’re still going to know him as the U.S. Amateur champion.”

Ballester’s historic win not only adds a significant milestone to his career but also highlights the growing prominence of Spanish golfers on the global stage.