CHASKA, Minn. — Winning the U.S. Amateur comes with many perks.
For Josele Ballester, he’ll get to enjoy those after topping Noah Kent 2 up on Sunday at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Ballester, whose 21st birthday was Sunday, is the first Spaniard to win the U.S. Amateur in the 124-year history of the championship.
The rising senior at Arizona State is ranked 10th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, and he had a stellar week in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Because of his stellar play, he’s not heading back to Tempe empty handed.
Ballester will receive a gold medal plus custody of the Havemeyer Trophy for one year. He’s also exempt into the next 10 U.S. Amateurs, but it’s unlikely he’ll play again since he’s almost done with his college career.
Perhaps the best benefits are the exemptions. Ballester has a spot in the field next year at the U.S. Open at Oakmont and the Open Championship at Royal Portrush. He also has a likely invitation to the Masters, where he’ll join his mentor and idol Sergio Garcia and fellow Spaniard (as well as former Sun Devil) Jon Rahm at Augusta National.
Being an amateur event, Ballester won’t receive money for his victory, but his elevated status as champion of the biggest amateur event in the world could lead to additional NIL deals or sponsorship opportunities.
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