What does Masters star Jose Luis Ballester’s hat say?
THE Masters has got off to a thrilling start at Augusta National!
Scottie Scheffler is aiming to successfully defend his title and join Jack Nicklaus as the only golfers to win three Green Jackets across a four-year period.
The World No1 was grouped with Justin Thomas and Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester for rounds one and two at this year’s Augusta showpiece.
Despite playing alongside some of the world’s top golfers, it was the young 21-year-old who got the fans talking on Thursday.
Many spectators from around the world were drawn to the hat that Ballester was wearing during the opening round of the Masters, but what was written across it?
What does Jose Luis Ballester’s hat at the Masters say?
Due to his involvement with Scheffler and Thomas, Ballester’s group was getting plenty of airtime during the first round of the Masters.
Fans from around the world were quick to spot that the Spanish amateur was wearing a cap with upside-down lettering, which didn’t go down well with many purists.
The eye-catching white hat donned the words Sun Devils written backwards.
It seems the cap is a nod to his university, Arizona State, where he currently plays college golf.
The controversial item is part of the No Rivals collection.
Ballester can wear some of his own gear on the course as he isn’t a pro, meaning he doesn’t have the same sponsor obligations as most of the players in the field.
Did Jose Luis Ballester urinate into Rae’s Creek?
Many will certainly remember Ballester’s Masters debut, not only for his choice of headwear.
The US Amateur champion caused controversy after admitting to urinating into Rae’s Creek during the first round at Augusta National.
Ballester said he tried to duck out of sight, only to be spotted by spectators who cheered him loudly.
When asked on the matter by reporters, the Spanish amateur said: “I completely forgot that we had those restrooms to the left of the tee box. I’m like, I really need to pee.
“I didn’t really know where to go, and since JT [Justin Thomas] had an issue on the green, I’m like, I’m just going to sneak here in the river and probably people would not see me that much.
“And then they clapped for me. Probably one of the only claps that I really got today. They cheered real loud, so that was kind of funny.”
When asked if he feared a backlash from the green jackets, who were likely to take a dim view of his actions, Ballester dismissed that idea.
He said: “Yeah, the people saw me. But it was not embarrassing at all for me. If I had to do it again, I would do it again.”