Spanish big hitter locked in for Australian Open and PGA

Media Release:

Spanish rising star Josele Ballester will return to the Capital.com Australian Open this summer after an impressive debut campaign in both of Australia's premier golf championships in 2025.

A winner on the Asian Tour and a former US Amateur champion, Ballester finished inside the top 10 at both the BMW Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland and the Capital.com Australian Open at Royal Melbourne.

His Open performance included a spectacular third round of 65 on the Composite Course to move into contention before he eventually finished in a tie for sixth, five shots behind champion Rasmus Neergard-Petersen.

Ballester will now return to another Melbourne Sandbelt gem, Kingston Heath Golf Club, looking to build on that success and contend for Australia's most prestigious national championship.

“I had a fantastic experience in Australia last year, playing in Brisbane and Melbourne,” Ballester said.

“The golf courses were exceptional, the fans were incredibly welcoming, and I felt at home from the moment I arrived.

“Finishing in the top 10 in both events gave me a huge confidence boost and made me even more excited to return. I'm looking forward to building on those performances this summer. 

“The BMW Australian PGA Championship and the Capital.com Australian Open are two outstanding tournaments.

“The fields get stronger every year, making them a great opportunity to finish the season by competing against some of the best players in the world. I'm really looking forward to getting back and seeing what I can achieve.”

Ballester’s resume includes winning the 2023 European Amateur and 2024 US Amateur Championship before turning pro and triumphing in the 2025 Saudi International on the Asian Tour.

As a member of the Fireballs squad on LIV Golf, he has had two top-five finishes in 2026.

Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said Ballester's return was another boost for an increasingly strong international field.

"Josele made a terrific impression during his first Australian summer, both with the way he played and the way he embraced the experience," Sutherland said.

"The Capital.com Australian Open has a proud history of showcasing the world's best emerging talent alongside our leading Australians, and Josele certainly fits that mould.

"After two outstanding performances last year, we're excited to welcome him back to Kingston Heath and we're looking forward to seeing what he can produce in one of the game's great national championships."

The 2026 Capital.com Australian Open is supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria.

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