Fireballs GC's Josele Ballester showed why he is one of his country's rising stars after carding a record-breaking round of 12-under 60 at Maaden LIV Golf Virginia.
The day before Josele Ballester played the round of his life, a young fan stopped him on his way to the driving range at Maaden LIV Golf Virginia and asked him about his lowest score. Ballester told him 62. One day later, the 22-year-old Spaniard left Trump National Washington, D.C., having shot a 12-under 60 – a course record, the lowest score relative to par in the 2026 LIV Golf season, and a tied record for the lowest score relative to par in LIV Golf history.
"It's pretty crazy how this game and life sometimes work," Ballester said with a smile afterward. It wasn't just the lowest round of his life – ten birdies, one eagle, and no bogeys – it was also the first course record he has ever claimed anywhere. When it was confirmed to him in the middle of the press conference that he had clearly broken the course record, his reaction said it all. "I love it," he said. "Is 60 really the course record here? Did I tie it? Did I break it?" He had earned it – and even more.
More Than a Coincidence
For those who were paying attention, the 60 was less of a surprise and more a logical consequence. Ballester has been working towards this moment for a year – quietly and steadily, and with the kind of determination that tends to produce great players.
