Jose Luis Ballester Makes History at Hazeltine

Jose Luis Ballester, a senior at Arizona State, became the first Spaniard to win the US Amateur, defeating Noah Kent at Hazeltine. Ballester took an early lead and never trailed, securing exemptions to major golf tournaments. Kent fought hard but couldn’t bridge the gap, finishing second.

Jose Luis Ballester, a senior-to-be at Arizona State University, made history by becoming the first player from Spain to clinch the US Amateur title. He achieved this milestone by defeating Iowa sophomore Noah Kent 2 up at Hazeltine on his 21st birthday after a grueling 36-hole match.

Ballester, the only top-10 world amateur ranking player to reach the round of 16, took the lead on the second hole and maintained it throughout. He joins compatriot Jon Rahm as one of the few Spaniards to win a USGA tournament. Rahm secured the US Open in 2021, also representing the Sun Devils.

''We have many great Spaniards, many great legends,'' Ballester noted. ''Being able to add my name into that history is pretty sweet.'' The victory grants both finalists exemptions to next year’s Masters and the US Open, with Ballester also earning a spot in the British Open.

Sporting national colors — a red polo, yellow shorts borrowed from his semifinal opponent, and black socks — Ballester went 3 up after four holes with two early birdies. He maintained a 4-up lead at the lunch break on a beautiful 82-degree day. Despite Kent's impressive fight, including a notable eagle on the 25th hole, Ballester held on to win. Emotional after securing victory, he thought of his family in Spain, particularly his ailing grandmother.

The final day saw Kent, entering as a long shot, putting up a resilient fight. He narrowed the lead to one with three hole wins late in the round. But Ballester's steady play in the last two holes clinched his historic win. Hazeltine, a course with a rich history hosting major tournaments, was a fitting stage for such an achievement.

The event began with 312 players vying for the title in the 130th edition of the tournament. With legends like Bobby Jones, Tiger Woods, and Phil Mickelson on its winners' list, the US Amateur has etched another remarkable name in its illustrious history.