CHASKA, Minnesota – Winning the U.S. Amateurs brings many benefits.
Josele Ballester will be able to enjoy it after edging Noah Kent by 2 points on Sunday at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Ballester, who celebrated his 21st birthday on Sunday, is the first Spaniard to win the US Amateur in the championship’s 124-year history.
The rising Arizona State senior is ranked No. 10 in the world amateur golf rankings and had a stellar week in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Given his outstanding play, he is not returning to Tempe empty-handed.
Ballester will receive a gold medal and a year’s worth of the Havemeyer Trophy. He is also exempt from the next 10 U.S. Amateur tournaments, but it’s unlikely he’ll compete again since his college career is almost over.
Perhaps the best advantage is the exemptions. Ballester has a spot in the US Open at Oakmont and the Open Championship at Royal Portrush next year. He also likely has an invitation to the Masters, where he will compete at Augusta National alongside his mentor and idol Sergio Garcia and fellow Spaniard (and former Sun Devil) Jon Rahm.
Since it is an amateur event, Ballester will not receive any money for his win, but his increased status as champion of the biggest amateur event in the world could lead to additional NIL contracts or sponsorship opportunities.
