ASU golf’s Jose Luis Ballester leaves mark at The Masters

Nature can call at the worst times, especially out on the golf course where restrooms can be few and far between.

Typically, there’s two options:

– Hold it
– Find somewhere secluded

Unfortunately, Arizona State golf’s Jose Luis Ballester didn’t have either of those luxuries on Amen Corner during the opening round of The Masters on Thursday afternoon.

Here’s U.S. Amateur champion Josele Ballester talking about why he peed in Rae’s Creek during the first round of the Masters pic.twitter.com/CbO6KXBdWH

— Cameron Jourdan (@Cam_Jourdan) April 10, 2025

“Well, I completely forgot that we had those restrooms on the left of the (13th) tee box and then I’m like, ‘I really need to pee,'” the 21-year-old amateur told reporters after the round when asked about taking relief in the famous Rae’s Creek.

“Didn’t really know where to go. Since (Justin Thomas) had an issue on the green, I’m like, ‘I’m just going to sneak here in the river and people probably wouldn’t see me as much.'”

Spoiler: They saw him.

“They clapped for me, probably one of the claps that I really got today, like really loud, so that was kind of funny,” Ballester, who went four over (76) on the day, said.

And if Ballester had to do it again, he would.

“It was not embarrassing at all,” the golfer added.

As for what he shot on the par 5 where he took relief? Par.

Jose Luis Ballester, Arizona State golf in the headlines at The Masters

Ballester wasn’t the only member with Arizona State ties making headlines for very different reasons at The Masters this year.

ASU golf coach Matt Thurmond had to be reminded about the dress code at Augusta National this week.

Out on the driving range ahead of Wednesday’s practice, Thurmond was asked to leave the area due to his shorts.

While spectators can rock them all week, that’s a big no-no for those inside the ropes, coach badge or not.

Luckily, the Sun Devil came prepared and was back out on the grounds in proper attire.

“Despite the many sensationalized headlines, I did not get removed from the grounds of Augusta National for wearing shorts,” Thurmond posted on X following the incident. “I’ve been on the grounds the entire week.

“I was simply reminded that if wearing shorts (like thousands of other spectators) I can’t go on to the driving range tee even with the Coach badge.”

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