First Masters Appearance

Jose Luis Ballester, a 21-year-old golfer representing Arizona State University, made headlines during his inaugural appearance at the Masters tournament in Augusta, Georgia. Despite facing challenges on the course, his day became one to remember due to a rather unconventional incident.

An Unexpected Bathroom Break

In a moment of urgency, Ballester made a quick decision when nature called. Forgetting the proximity of bathroom facilities located near the 13th tee box, he opted for a less traditional solution. As his playing partner Justin Thomas wrapped up on the 12th green, Ballester dashed to Rae’s Creek to relieve himself.

“I’m like, I really need to pee,” Ballester recounted after completing his round. “Didn’t really know where to go… I thought I’d sneak here in the river and probably people would not see me that much.”

However, to his surprise, many spectators noticed his antics, leading to a light-hearted cheer from the crowd.

“They clapped for me,” he said. “Probably one of the loudest claps I received today. So that was kind of funny.”

Style Choices and Reactions

Ballester also drew attention for sporting an Arizona State cap that featured the words “Sun Devils” displayed upside down, prompting mixed reactions on social media regarding appropriateness for such a prestigious event.

Round Performance

Despite the humorous interlude, the young golfer faced a challenging tournament, finishing his round with a score of 76, four strokes over par. His front nine included a birdie alongside two bogeys and a triple bogey, reflecting a day of ups and downs.

Playing alongside renowned golfers Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas provided Ballester with a unique opportunity. “I tried to get loose warming up, tried to be myself, listen to music, tried to stay focused,” he explained, expressing that he was not overwhelmed by the experience.

However, he acknowledged some misfortunes, particularly on the fifth hole, where he recorded a double-bogey 7.

A Positive Outlook

Despite the challenges and the unconventional bathroom break, Ballester maintained a positive attitude regarding his performance. “It was not embarrassing at all for me,” he stated confidently. “If I had to do it again, I would do it again.”