Josele Ballester Wins First Professional Title at Saudi International
News Summary
Josele Ballester claimed his first professional victory at the PIF Saudi International held at Riyadh Golf Club, finishing with a score of 22 under par. The 22-year-old showcased his talent with a final round 6-under 65, securing a three-shot lead over Caleb Surratt. Ballester’s win marks a significant milestone in his career, as he also earned $1 million from the tournament’s $5 million purse. His exceptional performance positions him as a key player in future golf events, following a promising season with LIV Golf.
Josele Ballester Claims First Professional Title at PIF Saudi International
In an exciting turn of events on Saturday, Josele Ballester clinched his first professional win at the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank. This tournament, which wrapped up nine thrilling competitions in the 2025 International Series, saw Ballester showcase his remarkable skills on the lush greens of the Riyadh Golf Club.
Outstanding Final Round
Ballester fired up the competition with a sensational 6-under 65 in his final round, leaving his competitors in awe. His impressive performance brought his tournament score to an astonishing 22 under par, allowing him to secure the title with a three-shot lead over his closest rival, Caleb Surratt, who finished at 19 under.
Breaking down the leaderboard, Dean Burmester came in third with a score of 17 under, while Richard Bland secured a respectable fourth place. The competition was fierce right down to the wire, as a seven-way tie for fifth included notable names such as Tyrell Hatton, Anthony Kim, and Jason Kokrak, all finishing at 13 under.
A Journey of Dedication
Entering the final round, Ballester was one shot behind both Surratt and Burmester. However, he quickly eclipsed that deficit with composure and skill, ultimately clinching a bogey-free round—a thrilling feat that significantly contributed to his remarkable victory. At just 22 years old, this rising star from Spain has already built an impressive résumé, having previously earned two All-American honors at Arizona State and victories at both the 2023 European Amateur and the 2024 U.S. Amateur.
Earlier in June 2025, Ballester made a strategic move by signing with LIV Golf. Although he participated in only six events that season due to joining midway through, he demonstrated promise by finishing tied for seventh at LIV Golf UK and tied for second at LIV Golf Chicago.
Prize Money and Incentives
The PIF Saudi International boasted a hefty total purse of $5 million, making it the richest event on the Asian Tour this season. As the champion, Ballester will take home $1 million, which is a notable 20% of the total purse. Meanwhile, Surratt earned $525,000 for his strong performance, and Burmester walked away with a cool $300,000. Even those finishing in the top 10 enjoyed significant six-figure payouts—an enticing aspect of these high-stakes tournaments.