Ballester wins PIF Saudi International in breakout professional performance

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Josele Ballester announced himself on the world stage by winning the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, just 10 starts into his professional career. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Riyadh Golf Club, the 22-year-old Spaniard carded a six-under-par 65 in the final round to finish three shots ahead of last year’s joint runner-up, Caleb Surratt of the United States.

South African Dean Burmester returned a 71 to claim third, while England’s Richard Bland shot 68 for fourth place. American Anthony Kim recorded his best result since returning to competitive golf, finishing tied for fifth with a 70.

Josele Ballester celebrates his victory at the PIF Saudi International. [photo credit: Asian Tour]

Ballester shines in final round

Ballester, winner of last year’s US Amateur, joined Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs GC team mid-season. He began the day one shot behind third-round leaders Surratt and Burmester. Three birdies on the front nine put him ahead of his group, and he added three more on the back nine, finishing unchallenged in just his second event on the Asian Tour and International Series.

“First of all, thank you so much. I’m super happy,” said Ballester. “Being a young boy dreaming about this moment, winning your first professional career, is why I worked so hard every day. It’s been really cool to finally get this done.”

Ballester’s victory secures his reputation as a rising star on the global stage, showing he can compete at the highest level in his first year as a professional.

Miguel Tabuena competes for a chance to qualify for the LIV Golf League. [photo credit: Asian Tour]

Surratt, Vincent, and Tabuena

Caleb Surratt, chasing his first International Series win, finished three shots back. “It’s tough. I feel overdue for a win, but Josele was amazing today,” said the 21-year-old.

Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent, leading the International Series Rankings, shot 75 to tie for 42nd, securing first place in the season standings with 335.11 points. Japan’s Yosuke Asaji finished second with 285.3 points. Filipino Miguel Tabuena came close to overtaking Asaji but finished tied for 11th, following a final-round 69, narrowly missing a spot on the LIV Golf League.

The Asian Tour will continue next week in India for the Bharath Classic at Kensville Golf Resort in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, jointly sanctioned with the Indian Golf Premier League.